Justin Cardona (Jcool)

Justin Cardona, 30's
Oakland, CA
he/him

Current Role:
​Entrepreneur, Community Organizer/Activist, and an overall swell guy.

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with? 
Filipino.

When and how did your family come to the United States? Where were you born?
My parents moved to Honolulu, Hawaii in the 70's. 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander?
I think as a male Asian American, I had to deal with misidentification and my masculinity being challenged all the time. It really screwed me up till this day. It has affected my relationships with women.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My most rewarding and proudest accomplishments are my projects and community programs that connected me to my Filipino roots. Also, developing the Asian All American All Star Basketball Showcase that led to creating the magazine is extremely gratifying but the work continues.

What is one thing you learned or appreciate from your family growing up?
I have learned that my family, though dysfunctional, does not abandon one another. At the end of the day, you love the person. You may not agree with some of their choices but you love and support them no matter what. Family and Friends.

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
Unfortunately, no.  

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
It's easy to say pursue your dreams or do what you love but it is not easy. There are a lot of things to consider. There will be those that choose to jump in and just do it. And there are others that need time to get things lined up just right before diving in. Sometimes you have to do the things you don't want to do, in order to do the things you want to do. 

There are people that worked odd and many jobs to save for their projects and provide for their family at the same time. There are no shortcuts and it will be HARD. There is no getting around it.  The REAL of it all is, your passion and dreams will change as you grow into your skin and live life.  Change is inevitable. You will start and finish hundreds of projects if you are lucky. Embrace the process. Enjoy the ups and downs. There is not a right or wrong way to go after what you want. 

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
Giving and helping others be the best they can be.

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
Yes, the Pan Asian Show and Hangar 5 Radio.

If you would like to share your voice as a person of color, please read the directions and fill out this form here. All ages, backgrounds, and generations welcome. Thank you!