After celebrating historic Biden-Harris victory, AAPI advocates gird themselves for next steps

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris proclaim their victory Saturday, Nov. 7.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders celebrated Joe Biden's triumph at the polls, but having Kamala Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants on the same ticket heightened the emotional and historic note to the history-making political victory.

Harris, whose mother is from India, "broke one of the highest glass ceilings today by becoming the first woman, first Asian American, and first African American Vice President-elect in our nation’s history," said a statement from the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. 

"As the daughter of immigrants, she is a living example of the American Dream and a testament to millions of young girls across the nation that the sky is the limit." 

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In a statement, the U.S. India Political Action Committee called Harris' election "one of the most inspirational days for young girls everywhere, especially Black and Indian girls. A victory for decency, class, truth, maturity and unity."

The U.S.-India Business Council e-mailed a statement to journalists congratulating  Harris and President-Elect Biden, calling their victory "truly a barrier breaking moment, and one that celebrates the diversity of America."

"America needed a leader who would be serious about solving the biggest health challenge of COVID and would set a positive tone in the nation and the world. Joe Biden is such a person and it is a big plus to have Kamala Harris as the vice-president to guide this nation towards the right direction,” said Dr Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) and Founder of EcoSikh.

Many  members of the AAPI communities noted that the Democrats' win was even more special considering the current administration's policies hurt immigrants and people of color.

"The last four years have been tough for Asian Americans, communities of color, and countless Americans. Starting with the Muslim Ban, President Trump’s policies made the poorest among us choose between feeding our families and a chance at a green card.," stated the Asian American Federation. "His policies also cut off pathways that brought immigrant families together and stoked the fires of racism that hurt us and our Black and Brown sisters and brothers, particularly during the pandemic."

For many, it was the first time that they took an active part in a political campaign and from their comments, the Biden-Harris campaign may be the launching pad for greater political participation.

"While this is a victory, we will not lose sight of the fact that representation alone is not power and that institutional systems have not changed," warns the Asian American Advancing Justice-Los Angeles statement. "There is still work to be done on issues that are essential to our community. We will work together to address anti-discrimination, immigration, human rights, healthcare access, voting rights and fair representation,"  

"Our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander brothers, sisters, and siblings deserve equity, peace, and justice that are only achieved with true democracy ... Election 2020 fortifies our commitment to the individuals who need us. No matter what happens in the White House, we will not stop striving for civil and human rights for our people.”

Filipino Americans for Biden-Harris issued a statement Sunday: "As Filipino Americans and others are aware, the Biden victory marks not just the end of the campaign, but the beginning of the real challenge of uniting what has become a divided country. Filipino Americans will have a role to play in this effort as well, by supporting the work of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as they implement their plan to control the spread of the coronavirus, get supplies to front-line healthcare workers, revitalize the economy and provide parents, seniors, families and entire communities with the hope and resources they need to survive and thrive in the face of what has become a challenging world."

The National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, looking to the future and fearful that the conservative Supreme Court will rule against a woman's right to choose used the moment to look to the future and. asked Biden and Harris to balance the Supreme Court by adding new members.

"With the Supreme Court appointments of Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, Trump has created a supermajority on the court of justices who are opposed to our values and priorities," said the NAPAWF statement. "We’re done waiting for devastating decisions to come down that take away our ability to make decisions about the formation of our families, provide for our loved ones, and to even exist in this country without fear. It’s time to expand the courts.”

Stop AAPI Hate cautioned that despite the pending change of administrations, acts of hate agaginst Asian Americans continue to rise.

"Over the past eight months, Stop AAPI Hate has received reports revealing that Asian Americans have been the victims of thousands of racist attacks since COVID-19 began to spread in our country and continue to live in a climate of fear and discrimination that impacts their daily lives. These attacks have been exacerbated by anti-Asian American rhetoric pushed forward by elected officials, as well as by dozens of policies from the previous administration. 

"It’s vital that the incoming administration takes immediate responsibility for challenging and addressing the racist hate that is in danger of permeating our society and undoing the xenophobic policies that target the Asian American community,” continued the statement from Stop AAPI Hate.

"Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities have turned out in record numbers this election cycle to make their voices heard. And Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have contributed greatly in their communities to make their voices heard in national politics, priorities and policies. In fact, our community turned out in historic numbers — by voting early, by mail or on Election Day," said the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum.

"The election of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris is a rebuke on the dangerous policies put forth by the Trump administration and will restore decency, productivity and progress to the White House," said the health advocates.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA, who released a video of her dancing on h"er front porch celebrating the Biden-Harris victory, stressed the importance of being active advocates of democracy.

“Today is so much bigger than these two individuals or one political party. Today is only possible because people across our state and throughout our country put aside cynicism, doubts and fears to step up, speak out and organize—not only for this election but for the past four years of the Trump presidency," she said.

 

“Our work is only beginning. Our task is to keep momentum high and to remember that without young people, people of color, progressives, working people and the most vulnerable turning out in record numbers and tipping us to victory in key states, we would not have won," said Jayapal. "We must now organize for people-first policies that make opportunity for all a reality, to finally reckon with white supremacy and anti-Blackness and to chart a course that never, ever leaves even one of us behind."