Getting asked where you’re really from in your own hometown is all too common in the AAPI community.

To raise money for the Asian American Federation and their Hope Against Hate initiative, we flipped the question around, and created a travel poster series, "I’m REALLY From” to instead, champion belonging.

We interviewed 10 Asian Americans and paired them each with an illustrator to depict the cities they grew up in with the vibrancy, color, and joy they deserve.

Each poster is filled to the brim with details our interviewees shared about their hometowns, memories, family traditions, and elements they associate with home.

Read more in Comm Arts, It’s Nice That, Reddit, NextShark, Creative Review, Muse by Clio, AdWeek, NBC, and Yahoo.

Received a yellow D&AD Pencil & gold One Show Pencil.

Apolo Ohno’s Seattle illustrated by Bianca Austria

Apolo Ohno is a Japanese American entrepreneur and TV personality known for his gold-medal-winning career as an Olympic speed skater. He grew up in Seattle with a single father, Yuki, who instilled strong self belief and motivation in him from a young age. His Japanese American cultural identity comes primarily from those values his father taught him.

Suki Terada Ports’ NYC illustrated by Kezia Gabriella

At age 86, Suki Terada Ports has long been an esteemed statesperson in her neighborhood and an activist for the larger diverse—and AAPI—community. She grew up as a Japanese American in Harlem, New York right at the peak of Japanese racism during World War II. This experience has left her with a wealth of fascinating stories and a unique perspective on her cultural and ethnic identity.

Eva Chen’s NYC illustrated by Sophie Diao

Eva Chen is a Chinese American editor, author and vice president of fashion partnerships at Instagram. She identifies strongly with her hometown of New York—specifically downtown Manhattan—and holds a fondness for Chinatown and Washington Square Park. She is proud of her Chinese identity and cultural values, including the closeness of family and joy of eating together.

Kevin Kwan’s Houston illustrated by Jiaqi Wang

Kevin Kwan is an Asian American writer and author of acclaimed novels including Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend. He spent his early life in Singapore before moving to a suburb of Houston as a teen and attending high school there. He takes deep pride in his Texas upbringing and considers home to be finding your community and the people you connect with most.

Shayn Prapaisilp’s St. Louis illustrated by Lisk Feng

Shayn Prapaisilp is a Thai and Chinese American who feels a strong connection to his upbringing in the Midwest and home city of St. Louis. He and his family run several businesses specializing in Asian foods and goods, including the restaurant King & I Thai Cuisine. They take pride in spreading AAPI culture around the city of St. Louis.

Christine Yi’s NYC illustrated by Gica Tam

Christine Yi is a Korean American entrepreneur and food blogger who is also an amputee and proud owner of a prosthetic leg. While she grew up in a town with few other Asian people, Christine found a deep sense of community among Korean family friends. One of the Korean traditions she valued most was the cultural emphasis on food—an appreciation that would ultimately lead to a career in food.

Giphy Stickers by Kenisha Rullan