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| Earlier this year, New York Gov. Kathleen Hochul, center, introduced some of the commissioners of of the newly formed state AAPI Commission. |
Thirteen Asian American leaders were sworn in at Queens College on Dec. 12, pledging to strengthen the connection between the Asian American community and New York State.
Although New York State Governor Kathleen Hochul, could not join the swearing-in ceremony in person, her office shared her message.
"Welcome to the first-ever meeting of the NYS Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission. We established this Commission because your voices are essential to our state's future, and we are always looking to gain a deeper understanding of one another. We invested $35 million to protect Asian American New Yorkers from Hate Crime and set $30 Million to local AAPI organizations to serve their communities."
New York State is the home of more than 1.7 million AAPI, about 10% of the total population. New York City alone is home to more residents of Asian descent than any other city outside of Asia. T
The New York Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission is tasked with enhancing the community's economic and social well-being and addressing the health and educational needs critical to AAPI communities throughout the state. Its mandate includes making policy recommendations, coordinating programs, implementing public education campaigns, and raising awareness among AAPI individuals about state and local resources.
"Welcome to the first-ever meeting of the NYS Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission. We established this Commission because your voices are essential to our state's future, and we are always looking to gain a deeper understanding of one another. We invested $35 million to protect Asian American New Yorkers from Hate Crime and set $30 Million to local AAPI organizations to serve their communities."
New York State is the home of more than 1.7 million AAPI, about 10% of the total population. New York City alone is home to more residents of Asian descent than any other city outside of Asia. T
The New York Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission is tasked with enhancing the community's economic and social well-being and addressing the health and educational needs critical to AAPI communities throughout the state. Its mandate includes making policy recommendations, coordinating programs, implementing public education campaigns, and raising awareness among AAPI individuals about state and local resources.
Hochul has been proactive in supporting the AAPI community, highlighted by her approval of legislation making Lunar New Year and Diwali public school holidays.
Under her leadership, the state made historic investments last year, allocating $30 million to empower community organizations to fight hate and enhance wellbeing. This year's state budget includes an additional $30 million for these crucial initiatives and an extra $35 million to enhance security for organizations particularly vulnerable to hate crimes and vandalism.
The Commission will be led by Chair Gaurav Vasisht, the first Asian American and Indian American to lead the nonprofit New York State Insurance Fund,
The Commission will be led by Chair Gaurav Vasisht, the first Asian American and Indian American to lead the nonprofit New York State Insurance Fund,
The other members of the commission are:
- Ambrosia Kaul, Coalition of Asian American Children and Families
- Andrew Sta. Ana, Asian American Federation
- Dr. Joyce Wu, Doctorate of Pharmacy
- Jeffrey Gu, Make Us Visible
- Faustina Sein, Karen Society of Buffalo
- Marjorie Hsu, Westchester Asian American Advisory Board
- Kyung Yoon, Korean American Community Foundation
- Peter Tu, Flushing Chinese Business Association
- Tal Shaw, Chair, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association
- Tim Law, Chinese American Social Services Center
- Maf Misbah Uddin, Labor leader
- Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Diwali at Times Square, Sammaan for All
Hochul signed the bill establishing the commission earlier this year. The legislation was authored by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American elected to the New York Legisture.
“I introduced this historic legislation to meet this critical moment in time: Asian Americans are now the fastest growing ethnic group and making large gains in representation across many fields," said Rajkumar at the signing ceremony.
“I introduced this historic legislation to meet this critical moment in time: Asian Americans are now the fastest growing ethnic group and making large gains in representation across many fields," said Rajkumar at the signing ceremony.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.
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