upper waypoint

Ethnic Conflict in India Echoes in CA; Oakland's 'couchdate' a Space for Brown and Black Creatives

Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

Sisters Niang (left) and Vung Hangzo sit at Vung’s home in San José on April 21, 2024. Right: Vung Hangzo looks at a WhatsApp group chat with her sisters that shows a photo of their mother, Madhumati Khwairakpam, in Delhi, at her home in San José on April 21, 2024. The family primarily uses WhatsApp to keep in touch and get updates on the situation in Manipur. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)

Listen to this and more in-depth storytelling by subscribing to The California Report Magazine podcast.

An Ethnic Conflict in India Echoes in CA

About a year ago, a conflict began in Manipur, a mountainous state in northeastern India. What set off the fighting was a dispute between a predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and a Christian minority called the Kuki.

Aptos resident Niang Hangzo is originally from Manipur, but moved to California in the 1990s. Her family back home became refugees more than a year ago. And ever since, she’s transformed into an activist here in California fighting to draw attention to this crisis. KQED’s Lakshmi Sarah traveled to India to follow  Niang’s family story.

Making Oakland’s couchdate a Haven for Brown and Black Creatives

A vinyl listening party at Oakland’s couchdate combines all the cozy comforts of home with the fun of  going out: stimulating conversation, maybe eye contact with a cute stranger, all while the music vibrates around you. This unique social space, especially for creative people of color, is the brainchild of a mixed-race entrepreneur who wants to create an inclusive community for all. KQED’s Ariana Proehl has his story.

 

Sponsored

lower waypoint
next waypoint