Advocate: A Graphic Memoir of Family, Community, and the Fight for Environmental Justice
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A moving graphic memoir following Eddie Ahn, an environmental justice lawyer and activist striving to serve diverse communities in San Francisco amidst environmental catastrophes, an accelerating tide of racial and economic inequality, burnout, and his family’s expectations.
A WASHINGTON POST BEST GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR (SO FAR)
Born in Texas to Korean immigrants, Eddie grew up working at his family’s store with the weighty expectations that their sacrifices would be paid off when he achieved the “American Dream.” Years later after moving to San Francisco and earning a coveted law degree, he then does the unthinkable: he rejects a lucrative legal career to enter the nonprofit world.
In carving his own path, Eddie defies his family’s notions of economic success, igniting a struggle between family expectations, professional goals, and dreams of community. As an environmental justice attorney, he confronts the most immediate issues the country is facing today, from the devastating effects of Californian wildfires to economic inequality, all while combatting burnout and racial prejudice. In coming fully into his own, Eddie also reaches a hand back to his parents, showing them the value of a life of service rather than one spent only seeking monetary wealth.
Weaving together humorous anecdotes with moments of victory and hope, this powerful, deeply contemplative full-color graphic novel explores the relationship between immigration and activism, opportunity and obligation, and familial duty and community service.
# of Pages: 208
Book Binding: Hardcover
Year of Publication: 2024
Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Language: en
ISBN: 9781984862495
Eddie Ahn is a Korean-American community organizer, activist, and author. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ahn has been deeply involved in environmental justice issues, particularly in the low-income and minority communities of Southern California. With a background in urban planning and community organizing, Ahn co-founded and served as the executive director of the nonprofit organization, Brightline Defense Project, which focused on addressing environmental and social justice issues in marginalized communities. He has also worked with various organizations, including the Sierra Club and the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, to advocate for fair and equitable environmental policies. In addition to his activism, Ahn is also an accomplished writer, and his graphic memoir, "Advocate," tells his personal story of growing up in a community impacted by environmental degradation and his journey towards becoming a passionate advocate for environmental justice.