Although they are not with us today, our ancestors shine a continuous reflection on our lives, influencing our perceptions and interactions with the world in subtle yet powerful ways. In her latest film—The Farewell—actor, author, comedian, and rapper, Awkwafina returns to her Asian roots—telling the story of her grandmother’s last days and the ancestral background underpinning a new generation. It reveals the cultural nuances of an American woman finding comfort—and conflict—with her family’s heritage. Our Host James Chau speaks to our Contributing Editor Laura de Belgique about the importance of identity and ancestry.

Before the health crisis began, the city of Wuhan was known as a center for academia in China. Now, it has become infamous as the first city struck by the pandemic. But Wuhan is also one of the first cities to overcome the devastation—giving it a renewed identity of strength and perseverance. But what has happened since, and what future can its people look forward to in this rapidly changing world? We take a step back and look at the critical days after lockdown, and the slow and safe return to some normalcy after tragedy.

In 2006, Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions towards alleviating global poverty. Now, the "banker to the poor" is shifting his focus to today’s health crisis— to help transform a world already hurt by a range of inequalities.