Now, R.J. is a member of CAAM’s screening committee for the third year
in a row, a position he’s humbled and honored to be a part of. Working
in the legal field, R.J. hopes to continue his work with inmates and
youth. A good listener, he hopes to take in the narratives he is privy
to and, in turn, turn them into knowledge and change.

R.J. Says:

[As Mr.
Hyphen], I hope to sustain the work that I do, and challenge others on
what it means to tell stories that most people have given up on.
Despite the complications, one cannot deny the power of catharsis and
empathy when a story is told. Empowerment, and culling the nuances of
the human condition are parts of change -- creating that bond is a
portal to more... more questions, more answers... and movement towards
that change. As Mr. Hyphen, advocating for more willing ears, and more
willing hands to help are some suggestions I can extend to others.

--
Mr. Hyphen 2009 will take place on Saturday, November 14 at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Buy tickets here!