Too often I have seen people of color, immigrants and people with disabilities both literally and figuratively make themselves smaller in public spaces to make others feel comfortable. That’s one of the many reasons why I really appreciate the empowerment that takes place in the (majority Asian) spaces like my daughters’ school, Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School, and Modero & Company , where Sinta makes a non-Indonesian like me feel welcome… The main underlying message I get at all of these places is this: Take up space. Stand up tall. You matter. You BELONG here.