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Comedian Jenny Yang holds a microphone and gestures while performing stand-up under pink stage lighting.

Comedian Jenny Yang performs during her nationwide stand-up tour, which brings her act into immigrant grocery stores to connect with and support those communities. Photo: PBS NewsHour

Comedian Jenny Yang Takes Act to Stages Inside Immigrant Grocery Stores

September 17, 2026

Comedian Jenny Yang Takes Act to Stages Inside Immigrant Grocery Stores

Comedian Jenny Yang is taking her stand-up act somewhere unexpected: immigrant grocery stores. As ICE raids weigh on those communities, she uses humor to bring people together. Students explore how art can respond to hard moments.

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As the challenges facing immigrant communities continue to make headlines, comedian and writer Jenny Yang is taking a different approach in her nationwide stand-up tour to raise awareness of those difficulties. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with her for our Art in Action series, which explores the intersection of art and democracy as part of our CANVAS coverage.

View the transcript of the story.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.

Warm-Up Questions

  1. Who is Jenny Yang, and what is her background?
  2. Where did Jenny and her family immigrate from?
  3. Why is Yang performing shows at immigrant grocery stores?
  4. What was Jenny recognized for by the Obama Administration back in 2016?
  5. What is the significance of the Shuang Hur Supermarket in Minneapolis?

Essential Questions

  1. According to Jenny Yang, "these ICE raids have created a second pandemic for people." Why do you think she uses the term "pandemic"? Why do you think she compares the two crises?
  2. What do you think Yang means when she says, "My art is not just what I say on stage"?
  3. Media literacy: Imagine you are a reporter who watched one of her shows and are interviewing audience members afterwards. What might you ask them about the performance?

What Students Can Do

Comedy is a great way to gain confidence, strengthen public speaking skills and connect with people. It is also a great way to add humor and lighten up situations or issues people may be struggling with in their lives.

Create a 2-5 minute set of funny moments you've had, weird conversations you've been a part of, or vulnerable moments that you feel would be good to share. Get up in front of a mirror and experiment with your script, voice and body movements. This is your chance to understand comedians, so embrace your inner "comedian." If you are comfortable with your script, try to perform it for others. You might find a new hobby you can enjoy!

Explore Resources on Immigrant Heritage

Share My Lesson is providing innovative and rich ways to recognize all the pieces that make America what it is. Celebrate students, educators, families and communities with these preK-12 resources and lesson plans.

Learn More

Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.

PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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