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| Shortly after taking office, President Obama met with leaders of the Asian-American Pacific Islander communities. |
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA will be the keynote speaker during the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ (APAICS) 22nd Annual Awards Gala Dinner.
“It means so much that President Obama will be joining us at this year’s APAICS Gala,” said Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), former chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and APAICs board member.
“Whether keeping families together through his immigration executive actions, expanding healthcare to millions through the Affordable Care Act, promoting diverse candidates to the federal bench, or putting our economy back on the path to success, President Obama has been there for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We look forward to thanking the President for his leadership and honoring his legacy at this year’s gala, and welcome the opportunity to celebrate with him in May.”
Although all the presidential candidates - Republican and Democrat - were invited to the nonpartisan event, only former Sec. of State Hillary Clinton accepted. The campaigns of Clinton's Democratic rival Bernie Sanders and Republican hopeful Ted Cruz did not commit, and the campaign of Republican front-runner Donald Trump campaign responded that he was unlikely to attend, Floyd Mori, president and chief executive of the leadership network said.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich's campaign didn't respond.
There has been a lot of back-and-forth on the Internet whether or not Clinton's attendance is an example of pandering or not. Believe it or not - call it hiya (Filipino: embarrassment or shame) or "losing face," a value which shows up in almost all Asian cultures - a demonstration of respect is highly valued in Asian cultures - showing up indicates that you value (and respect) the people or organization that issued the invitation.
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| Alan Yang, left, and Aziz Ansari will receive the Vision Award for their ground-breaking television show 'Master of None.' |
“It is an honor to have President Barack Obama participate in the 22nd Annual APAICS Awards Gala Dinner and share his legacy with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said S. Floyd Mori, president and CEO of APAICS. “President Obama has demonstrated his commitment to the AAPI community and shares our determination in developing future opportunities for AAPI leaders.”
President Obama has often been described as the first Asian/American president since he was born and raised in Hawaii. He also spent a few years living in Indonesia, where his sister was born, with his mother and Indonesian step-father. He spends his summer vacations in his home state.
Also, in 2009, shortly after he took office, President Obama signed an executive order that restored the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Asian/Americans make up a small portion of the voters - but in certain states such as California and New Jersey which have their primaries on June 7, they have the numbers to influence the outcome of the vote.
Part of the evening program recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to the empowerment and advancement of Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The 2016 honorees are Congressman Xavier Becerra, Lifetime Achievement Award; Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, Vision Award; and Toyota, Corporate Achievement Award.
The event takes place Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Washington Hilton.
To purchase individual tickets or Table of 10, please click here or call 202-296-9200.
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For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.
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