Maya Lin receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA awarded Presidential Medals of Freedom to 21 individuals  who have exemplified the best of America.

The majority of the medals, the highest award bestowed to non-military citizens, went to celebrities in sports and the arts, including artist Maya Li.

President Obama and Maya Lin

An artist, Lin is perhaps best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. 

Maya rose to fame when she was chosen as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., now known as The Wall.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is composed of two walls spanning 246 feet in length that stand as a testament to human sacrifice. Etched upon it are the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who died or remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. It is one of the most poignant memorials in America.

At the time, the Vietnam War was the nation’s longest war and one of the most divisive. America was in search of healing and reconciliation. In 1980, a national design competition was launched. The winner was an unknown Maya Lin, a 21-year-old undergraduate student from Yale University. The design would be “a long, polished, black stone wall, emerging from and receding into the earth.”

After Maya Lin’s design was chosen, outrage ensued. Many were offended by its nontraditional design. Its color, black, was detested for its “sad” and “negative” connotation. It was referred to as a “black gash of shame” and a “degrading ditch.” Many also felt that an Asian-American should not be the designer.

Jim Knotts, CEO of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund released a statement on the President's recognition of Lin:

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will be forever grateful for Maya’s artistry. Her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was controversial when it was first introduced to the public, but 35 years later, her design has proven to be a remarkable piece of art that has changed the way a nation mourns. We continue to see Vietnam veterans start or continue their healing process when they stand in front of The Wall. And younger generations continue to be awed by the scope of the sacrifice as the walk the long walls and realize every name is a life cut short. They begin to learn what it means to serve our country. The Wall, through it’s simple but brilliant design, helped to heal a generation and our nation. The Wall began a body of work in both art and architecture that will continue to impact our country for generations to come. It is wholly appropriate that we recognize Maya Lin for her contributions with our nation’s highest civilian honor.”

The White House said, “A committed environmentalist, Lin is currently working on a multi-sited artwork/memorial, What is Missing?, bringing awareness to the planet’s loss of habitat and biodiversity.”

"I am so saddened by the stated goals of the incoming administration to dismantle the environmental protections that have made our water and our air and our communities safer and cleaner, and that (President-Elect Donald Trump) threatens to renege on the Paris Climate accord—which would be ... a disaster for us both ecologically and economically," she told NBC News.

The brilliance of Maya Lin's Vietnam Memorial: Visitors see themselves reflected in the black granite wall.

White House celebrates Filipino American History Month

A dance troupe from California performed indigenous dances from the Philippines at the White House celebration.

WHAT? You didn't get invited to the White House celebration of Filipino American History Month?

You're not alone. Apparently, my invitation must have gotten lost in the mail so I missed the five-hour event.

However, through the courtesy of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and Youtube, you get to watch the whole thing below:

The emcee is Billy Dec, a Filipino/American restaurant owner and entertainer based in Chicago, and member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders.

RELATED:

• 1946 - A turning point in FilAm history
• Filpino/American National Museum opens in Stockton
• 15 memorable facts about Filipino/Americans
• Legacy of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair
• Filipino veterans: Shameful anniversary for U.S. Congress
• Larry Itliong Day passed by the California Assembly
• 50th Anniversary of the Grape Strike
• Unsung heroes on Memorial Day

The event features Filipino/American artists as well as discussions with prominent celebrities and Administration leaders on issues such as education, veterans, health, and immigration. If you want to see and hear Apl.de.ap's performance, click here.

The audience had to start lining up at 6:45 a.m. to gain access to the White House. I assume the Filipino/Americans arrived on time, right?

Five hours! That's a long time to sit through speeches, panels and some cultural presentations. There had to be some food in the back, right? Did they let the guests have baon (take-home food)? Did they break out the Karaoke at the end?

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Obama exhorts AAPI to be more involved and turn their concern into action

White House

President Barack Obama spoke at the APAICS annual gala in Washington D.C. on April 4.

IT WAS A LOVEFEST.

When President Barack Obama began his speech Wednesday at the Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) gala with: "Being with the Asian American Pacific Islander community is like being with family," he had the audience in the palm of his hand.

And if there was any doubt about the special relationship the President has with Asian/ Americans and Pacific Islanders, he followed with:

"As many of you know, I grew up in Hawaii. (Applause.) I spent time in Indonesia as a young boy. The food, the culture, the spirit of the Asia Pacific region -- that's who I am."

But as he went deeper into his speech and his tone grew more serious  he warned the community he grew up with, that it is time to step up to the plate and become more vocal, more active, more participatory and demonstrate to the rest of the country that the AAPI community is part and parcel of this country's past, present and - most critically - its future. 

"You're part of the lifeblood of this nation. You are our teachers and our faith leaders, our doctors, our caretakers, our artists, our shopkeepers, our police officers and firefighters. 

"You are our soldiers and our sailors, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen, defending our freedom every day. And, increasingly, you are a powerful, visible force in American political life."

After citing a pretty impressive list of accomplishments of his administration for AAPI, he reminded everyone - as if this particular audience needed any reminding - that we are a country immigrants. "We don't simply welcome immigrants, ... we are born of immigrants. It is our oldest tradition; part of what makes us not only exceptional, but what makes us secure and prosperous and free."

Then he pointed out Filipina/American Regina Ledesma, who was in the audience:

"So I want to tell Regina's story, because it's an example of what's at stake here. Regina came to the United States from the Philippines when she was five years old. But when her father, who was an engineer, fell ill, he had to give up his job -- which meant he could no longer secure documentation for his family. So Regina’s mom supported the family by working at a hair salon. Regina grew up as American as anybody else -- she didn’t even know until she was in middle school that she was undocumented. And she didn’t understand until then that she’d be perpetually in danger of being deported from the only country she had ever called home. As a junior in high school, Regina requested relief under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals -- or DACA -- policy that we put in place. And today, she’s a sophomore studying economics at the University of Maryland. Her future is bright, and America is better off because she is here. (Applause.) That's the story of immigrants in this country."

During his speech Obama cited the need for a better representation of AAPI in the political process. "The AAPI community is the fastest-growing minority in America, but it’s still ..." and here he was interrupted with applause ... "well, that's good to cheer about, but it's still significantly underrepresented at the ballot box.  In 2012, just 56 percent of eligible AAPI voters were registered to vote. And fewer than half of those registered actually voted. So if you’re upset with America’s immigration policy, but you’re not voting -- that has to change."

He praised the AAPI community for coming to the support of the spate of hate against Muslims, Sikhs and Arabs.

"Ultimately, our job is not just to fight for our own rights," said Obama, "but to fight for the rights of all people, everywhere," Obama said to applause. 

Rep. Judy Chu handed the microphone to Democratic
presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the APAICS event.

"To exercise our most precious inheritance -- citizenship. And that means we have to be well-informed, we have to engage with our government, and we have to vote -- not just when it’s time to elect a president, every single election," he exhorted the audience. "School boards matter. County offices matter. State attorneys races matter. State legislative races matter."

Though the night clearly belonged to President Obama, his former Sec. of State, Hillary Clinton, also spoke briefly to the audience at the Washington Hilton after being introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). Clinton was the only candidate running for President to accept the APAICS invitation.

You can read President Obama's entire speech here, or watch the video, below.

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For more news about Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

#MyAAPIStory: Sharing the diverse stories of the AAPI community

AS AN EDITOR, I used to tell my reporters that every person has a story to tell. I would read the obituaries and learn the interesting lives that people led that went untold until they died. "Let's tell those stories before they die," I'd tell the writers.

We all know the stories we have, our parents and grandparents, the stories of traveling across the Pacific to make a new home in a strange land. 

We know the stories of growing up in the United States and still be considered a foreigner, an outsider, an other.  We try to fit in and get rejected. We suffer the stereotypes forced upon us and we do our best to break the mold. 

Choose your interview partner (if you are

interviewing someone). Use the question generator

 in the app to help guide your story or interview. 

The generator contains questions on a 

variety of topics and also allows you 

to write your own questions. Record the story 

or interview using the app on your phone, 

which serves as a digital facilitator that will 

guide you through the process of preparation, 

recording, and archiving your conversation.

Tag recordings with general keyword “MyAAPIStory”.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest growing racial group in the U.S., with a breadth of stories and experiences. From native Hawaiians to recent immigrants to third-generation Americans, from artists to entrepreneurs to public service leaders, AAPIs are a fundamental part of the diverse mosaic of America.

In February, the White House launched a call for nominations for White House Champions of Change for AAPI Art and Storytelling. But they know that there are countless other inspiring and powerful stories within the AAPI community. That’s why they’re teaming up with StoryCorps to document and share these stories. We encourage you to share your story and those of others within the AAPI community. Highlight issues you care about, share what your identity means to you, or interview others – friends, family members, community leaders, for instance – that are making a difference for the AAPI community. You can share a story about any topic you wish, and the recording can be as short or as long as you’d like. Themes could include: Being the first in your family to go to college Your immigration story Defying the model minority myth Preserving culture and identity Overcoming odds Be as creative as you’d like! You can use the StoryCorps app to record your story or interview, and then post it on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #MyAAPIStory. Select stories may be highlighted throughout the month of May in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To record an interview using the StoryCorps app, download the app here. Visit https://storycorps.me/ and download the free public beta mobile app from the iTunes store (Apple users) or Google Play store (Android users). Upload your recording to StoryCorps (your recording will be archived by the White House and also will be sent to the Library of Congress by StoryCorps). Share your recording on Twitter and Facebook using this #MyAAPIStory sign and use the hashtag. For more information about recording your interview, visit the StoryCorps.me website. In addition, please ask your friends and family to document their story by: Tweeting: Share your #MyAAPIStory! We're working w/@StoryCorps to document and share #AAPI stories by clicking here. Posting on Facebook, click here. ### For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

It's paramount to get more AAPI voters to the polls

Candace Kelley. left, interviews Terry Ao Minnis about the hurdles to becoming a voter for AAPI people.

THOSE WHO VOTED in the last presidential election (in 2012) created the most racially and ethnically diverse electorate in U.S. history. Nearly 1 in 4 votes were cast by non-whites. That trend is expected to continue this year, but barriers still exist for some populations.

Candace Kelley of Comcast Newsmakers interviews Terry Ao Minnis, director of Census and Voting Programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

One of the problems Minnis points out is the lack of assistance for limited-English speaking voters. In San Diego, when this assistance was provided by order of a Consent Decree, voter registration among Filipinos increased by 20% and among Vietnamese voters, the increase was 40%.

When Asian immigrants swear their allegiance to the U.S. and the Constitution to become full-fledge American citizens, you would think one of the first things they do is to register to vote. In fact, representatives of the political parties are usually at the swearing-in site to register new voters.

Apparently, the route from raising your right hand to become an American citizen to becoming a registered voter is not a straight path because one of the rights of becoming an American is the freedom to choose. Too many choose ... not to become voters.

VIEW the entire Comcast Newsmakers interview, click here.

A report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released last week shows that political participation has failed to keep pace with California’s population growth or its changing demographics. Since 2000, California’s total population has increased by about 16 percent and the percentage of adults of voting age has increased by 22 percent. Yet voter registration has increased by just 10 percent. Today, 82 percent—24.6 million—of California’s adults are eligible to vote, but just 57 percent are registered to do so. In 2000, 63 percent were registered. 

California has been a "majority minority” state—one in which no ethnic or racial group constitutes the majority—for more than 15 years, according to the PPIC report titled California’s Exclusive Electorate: Who Votes and Why it Matters. But the state’s elections have yet to make this demographic transition. Today, California’s adult population is 42 percent white and 36 percent Latino, while the remaining 23 percent are Asian (14%), black (6%), and other (3%). Yet 60 percent of California likely voters are white, only 18 percent are Latino, and the balance are Asian, black, and other. While 34 percent of adults are foreign born, 83 percent of Californians who frequently vote are U.S. born.

That can be interpreted to mean that Euro/American voters have almost three-times the voting clout than minority voters. Put another way, each vote cast by a white voter is equal to three voters of color.

PPIC graphic

Only half of California adults can be expected to vote in this year’s presidential election, and they are likely to be very different from those who do not vote—in their demographic and economic backgrounds and in their political attitudes.

Likely voters in California tend to be older, white, college-educated, affluent, and homeowners, according to the report, based on analysis of state data and results from the 2015 PPIC Statewide Survey. Likely voters also tend to identify themselves as "haves”—rather than "have nots”—when asked to choose between these two economic categories. Nonvoters tend to be younger, Latino and Asian, renters, less affluent, less likely to be college-educated than likely voters—and they generally identify with the have-nots.

The economic differences between voters and nonvoters reflect the growing economic divide that has surfaced as one of the most important policy issues this election year. Voters and nonvoters vary noticeably in their attitudes toward the role of government and government spending, as well as their views of elected officials—all of which come into play in an election year.

The disparity between Californians who participate in elections and those who don’t is particularly important in a state that calls on its voters not only to elect representatives but also to make major policy decisions through ballot initiatives. That disproportionate influence  of white voters is how California passed Prop. 209, the anti-affirmative action measure, and Prop. 187, which prohibited undocumented immigrants from receiving public assistance.

"The divide between voters and nonvoters appears to be deep, persistent, and difficult to bridge,” said the report’s author, Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO. "It will have far-reaching consequences this fall, when issues as important as the minimum wage, school bonds, and the death penalty are likely to be on the ballot.” 

For any AAPI who is tired of being passed over, ignored or unheard, it is time we stop letting other people make our decisions for us. Forget that old Asian adage about the nail getting hammered, that's so passe; standing up to be counted is one way get noticed.

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For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

Education Secretary to co-chair the White House Initiative on AAPI

Education Secretary John B. King Jr.

ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of education to the Asian/American and Pacific Islander community, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. was picked to join U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to co-chair the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

"It's critically important that we both recognize and address the needs of all communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders," said King in a press release. "In my role as co-chair of the Initiative, I want to be sure that we continue to work to close persistent opportunity gaps for portions of the AAPI community that have been consistently underserved. 

"As Secretary of Education, I will continue to work to ensure all students have equitable access to resources, high achieving schools and well-prepared teachers. Under the new Every Student Succeeds Act, there is a continued role for the U.S. Education Department to advance educational equity for all children."

The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is extremely diverse and is now the fastest growing racial group in the country, according to recent findings. This community continues to face the model minority myth that most are well-educated, affluent, and self-sufficient. This myth has prevented AAPI communities from fully benefiting from federal programs and resources targeting vulnerable and underserved communities. 

In reality, the AAPI community is not a monolithic group, and each group faces unique challenges—from education and immigration to health and economic opportunity. For example:

• One in seven Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders has a college degree.
• One in three AAPIs is limited English proficient.
• One in 10 undocumented individuals in the United States is of Asian descent.
• Half of AAPI college students attend community college, and nearly 40 percent of AAPI college students are enrolled in Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions.
• Two million uninsured AAPIs gained access to health care insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. King's life story is an extraordinary testament to the power of education. Both of Dr. King's parents were career New York City public school educators, whose example serves as an enduring inspiration. 

King's parents both died from illness by the time he was 12, and he struggled to cope with their loss as he moved between family members and schools. He credits New York City public school teachers — particularly his teachers at P.S. 276 in Canarsie and Mark Twain J.H.S. in Coney Island — for saving his life by providing transformative educational experiences and giving him hope about the future. He went on to graduate from Harvard, Yale and Columbia and become a teacher and education leader.

Re-established by President Obama in October 2009, the Initiative is a broad-based government-wide initiative working to improve the quality of life and opportunities for AAPIs by facilitating increased access to and participation in federal programs, where AAPIs remain underserved. 

The video below was made before King was formally appointed as Secretary of Education.

For more news about Asian/Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

AAPI voters flex political muscle in Illinois primary

THEIR NUMBERS may be relatively small but Asian/Americans in Illinois are carving out a presence on the political scene after the state conducted its primary on March 14.

Asian American community of Illinois had increased access to the polls, turned out to vote in large numbers in the northwest suburbs thanks to voter engagement efforts, and ran successful campaigns for public office. 

“Not only are Asian Americans voting at higher numbers, but they are energized to participate in the November election,” said Tuyet Le, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. “Now, we are seeing more community members eying seats at federal, state, and local levels of government.” 

Tammy Duckworth's strong showing in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate demonstrates the strong possibility that she may be able to unseat the Republican incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk in November. 

RELATED: Tammy Duckworth win in Illinois primary; eyes Senate seat

While the Thai/American's victory grabbed most of the national attention, other Asian/Americans were making their own mark with the support of the AAPI communities. With Duckworth moving onto the Senate race, that left her 8th district Congressional seat wide open.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Raja Krishnamoorthi won the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District. Krishnamoorthi will face Republican Pete DiCianni in a district that has over 93,000 Asian Americans. The 8th district has the second most Asian Americans of any Congressional District in Illinois. 

Krishnamoorthi, a local businessman who was born to Indian immigrant parents, beat two opponents to take home 56.9 percent of the vote (43,945 votes) and the Democratic nomination for Illinois’s 8th congressional district, which is currently represented by Duckworth.

AAAJ-Chicago staff member Kristina Tendilla credits pan-Asian community efforts for mobilizing larger numbers of underrepresented Asian American voters, particularly in the northwest suburbs, that make up the 8th District. 

“There is a groundswell happening around Asian/Americans as a way to carve out our own movement as a part of this broader movement,” she said. “For folks who are trying to fight for Asian/American and immigrant and racial justice, it’s important and exciting to have legislators who are from those communities.”

Theresa Mah won a narrow victory in the 2nd State Representative District, which contains much of Chicago’s Chinatown and surrounding areas. Mah will face no Republican opposition in November, and will become the first ever Asian/American member of the Illinois General Assembly when she takes office in 2017. 

Theresa Mah

Former college professor Mah, who ran against  Alex Acevedo, son of incumbent State Rep. Eddie Acevedo, for 2nd district state representative, attributes her 51.2-percent victory (10,470 votes) in part to the “rising political engagement” of the Chinese community but also key endorsements from the Latino community, including from long time leader and well-respected Rep. Luis Gutierrez.

“It is really wonderful to have more diversity in terms of people who are representing us. Having someone from the Chinese community, especially a woman, is a welcome breath of fresh air to the state of Illinois,” said Gutierrez, who was accused of being a "turncoat" by some members of the Latino community.

Asian Americans make up over 23% of the 2nd district but it is viewed primarily as Latino-dominated district.

“We were happily surprised when we saw the vote totals coming in because, even though we knew we were strong with that demographic, it was clear that not only were Chinese/Americans voting, they were bringing their friends and families to the polls, as well,” said a senior campaign staffer from Mah’s campaign.

Josina Morita won one of the Democratic Party nominations for a six-year term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. If she wins in November, she would be the first Asian/American elected to a countywide board in Cook County.

“They say in politics you’re either at the table or on the table. For a really long time, Asian Americans have been on the table,” said Morita, who won one of the Democratic Party seats on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners with 18.3 percent of the vote (372,755 votes).

“It was a huge night for the Asian American community,” she told Medill Reports. “I think it’s a huge sign of what’s to come.”

Harish Patel was vying to be the first Muslim member of the Illinois General Assembly, running in the 40th district on Chicago’s northwest side, but lost his primary race to incumbent Representative Jaime Andrade.

Andrew Seo, running for a 2-year term on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, finished in 3rd place.

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Asian/Americans react to President Obama's SCOTUS nominee (with Updates)

President Obama applauds Judge Merrick Garland, his nominee for the Supreme Court.

TODAY, President Obama named Merrick Garland as his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat made vacant when Justice Antonin Scalia passed away.

For the first time, an Asian/American was among the finalists for the United States' highest court. Judge Sri Srinivasan of the Washington D.C. Circuit Court was among the top considerations for SCOTUS.

RELATED: White House vetting an Asian American for SCOTUS

Obama's final choice, Judge Garland, is the Chief Judge of D.C. Circuit Court. 

During the vetting process, the AAPI community and its organizations lobbied for a nominee that an AAPI be selected. The White House even had a conference call meeting with leaders within that community to explain the vetting process. Shortly thereafter, it became known that Srinivasan was among the final candidates.

RELATED: More reactions at AsAm News

Following are some of the quick reactions from the AAPI community.

National Council of Asian Pacific Americans

National Director Christopher Kang

"The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to serve as the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Chief Judge Garland’s qualifications and experience are unquestioned: his record as a judge for nearly two decades demonstrates that he understands the proper role of the court, and he also led the successful prosecutions of two major terrorism cases, “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski and the bombers of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

"It is clear why, just a few years ago, a senior Republican Senator said Chief Judge Garland would be a “consensus nominee” to the Supreme Court. The same is true today.

"NCAPA also would like to acknowledge that President Obama reportedly considered Judge Sri Srinivasan as a finalist for this Supreme Court nomination—the first time in history that an Asian American has reached the final round of consideration to serve on our nation’s highest court. This is a reflection of President Obama’s commitment to and success in furthering a judiciary that resembles the nation it serves, and in particular his tremendous strides in appointing more Asian American federal judges than all previous presidents in history combined.

"While we are disappointed that President Obama did not nominate an Asian American today, we stand behind his nominee and are confident that when future Supreme Court vacancies occur, Asian Americans will continue to receive this highest level of consideration and that there will soon be an Asian American Supreme Court Justice.

"Today, President Obama has fulfilled his constitutional responsibility. Now, United States Senators must do their job by meeting with Chief Judge Garland, conducting a hearing, and casting their votes."

Rep. Mike Honda, D-Silicon Valley
Lead Democrat on the House appropriations subcommittee concerning justice issues, issued a statement, following President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court:

“President Obama has taken a great deal of effort to ensure that the Supreme Court will add another extremely qualified legal scholar to the bench,” said Honda. “Chief Judge Merrick Garland has already been considered for a seat on the Supreme Court because of his long history of excellent work on the DC Circuit. The President has chosen a man with amazing credentials, a mastery of the law and a history of independent legal thought.

“This nation is built on a system of checks and balances: Executive, Legislative and the Courts. For us to be the best nation possible, we must have a full Supreme Court, ready to hear cases that will determine our future as a nation. Republican leadership in the Senate must adhere to a strict reading of the Constitution, advise the President on the nomination and vote on their consent to him/her joining the Court. It is time for us to put away politics and do our jobs. Americans should accept no less.”


Rep. Judy Chu, D, Pasadena
Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

“Nominating justices to the Supreme Court is one of the primary duties of the President. In naming Judge Merrick Garland, a seasoned jurist with a commendable record, President Obama has fulfilled that constitutional duty. Now it is time for the Senate to fulfill theirs. Refusing to even meet with a nominee, as Senate Republicans are doing, is an unprecedented level of partisan dysfunction. A well and fully functioning Court is essential for our entire judicial system. With important cases on critical issues like the President’s authority to set deportation priorities, access to abortion, and climate change still to be decided, we cannot afford to leave a seat vacant for another year.

“Unfortunately, from refusing hearings on his Supreme Court nominee or his budget priorities to filing lawsuits against the use of executive power, Congressional Republicans have made obstructing the actions of this Administration a priority. That is misguided and only serves to erode trust in government. I urge Senate Republicans to change course and hold a hearing on Judge Garland, his experience, his views, and his qualifications. Cooperation and dialogue, not obstruction and partisanship, are the only ways forward.”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Mee Moua, President and Executive Director

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC applauds President Obama for today announcing the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court.

"It is now incumbent on us – the American people – to urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold their hearings and cast their votes on the nomination of Judge Garland. We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to exercise its constitutional responsibilities with due diligence and act upon Judge Garland’s nomination.”

Statement from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund

"Chief Judge (Merrick) Garland is remarkably qualified to serve as the next Supreme Court Justice. ... While SALDEF called on President Obama to nominate the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice, we realize the profound statement Sri Srinivasan made as the first Asian American in history to make it to a President’s 'short list.' SALDEF wholeheartedly supports President Obama’s nomination of Chief Judge Garland, we are encouraged by the consideration of Judge Srinivasan, and we eagerly await the first Asian American Supreme Court Justice.

"SALDEF implores the United States Senate to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and swiftly hold hearings and confirm Merrick Garland as the next Supreme Court Justice. While Senate Republicans have a history of judicial obstruction—there are currently 77 vacancies for federal judgeships compared to 43 when the Republicans regained control of the Senate—it is out of line for Republicans to drag the Supreme Court into partisan politics.

"The Supreme Court is too critical to allow a long-term vacancy. The court has monumental cases on abortion, immigration, affirmative action, and voting rights this term—all issues that have significant consequences for Sikh Americans, Asian Americans, and the country as a whole. More than 60% of the nation believes that the Senate “should hold hearings” on the Supreme Court nominee—with a majority of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans agreeing on the issue.

"Without knowing the nominee, Senate Republicans took an obstructionist stance on the Supreme Court confirmation process. Merrick Garland not only deserves a Senate hearing, but he also deserves to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. SALDEF joins many national Asian American organizations in applauding President Obama for nominating Chief Judge Garland, and in calling for the Senate to fulfill their constitutional duty and swiftly hold hearings and confirm him as the next Supreme Court Justice."

UPDATED March 17, 2016

AAPI Victory Fund
Snekar Narashimhan, chairman and founder

“The AAPI community wants a seat at the table in every venue and truly believes the bench of qualified AAPI candidates deserve consideration for the very next vacancy.”

“Today, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community must come together and work to ensure the Senate holds a fair hearing and a timely vote on the president's nominee. Obstructionist senators must be held accountable for their actions. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community needs to be more of a political force moving forward, and the AAPI Victory Fund will continue to mobilize its presidential elections outreach in 6 states — Colorado, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia — to empower the more than 18 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in this country."

South Asian Bar Association of North America

“If confirmed, he will bring this experience from what is considered the second most important court in the U.S. and a reputation as a centrist to the Supreme Court,” adding: “Even as we congratulate Judge Garland, we are proud that one of our members is so highly regarded as to be considered a ‘likely candidate,’ and know that the depth and experience of our members will only continue to grow so that we stand ready next time the Supreme Court calls.”

Feb. 25, 1986: Anniversary of People Power & the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship

Millions of ordinary Filipinos found the courage to gather on EDSA demanding the end of the Marcos dictatorship during the Philippines  People's Power Revolution of 1986.

THIRTY YEARS AGO, the world watched the news on television to witness a bloodless revolution taking place in the Philippines. Filipinos in America watched in awe as Filipino nuns knelt before tanks as millions of Filipinos took to the streets of Manila and a dictator fled the Philippines. 

Thirty years ago, tears came to my eyes.

I was managing editor of the Philippine News based in South San Francisco, California. The PhilNews was one of the few American publications that looked behind the screen of U.S. ally Ferdinand Marcos and saw him as he truly was - a brutal dictator. It was known as the establishment voice piece of the anti-Marcos movement.

For decades, PhilNews publisher Alex Esclamado was relentless in his attacks against the iron-fisted rule of the Filipino strongman. Transcripts smuggled out of the Philippines, hours-long international phone calls and a countless array of tourists, businesspeople, friends and journalists were the newspaper's source of what was really happening in the Philippines under the reign of the Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, also known as the Iron Butterfly.

Because the PhilNews was unapologetically one-sided in its coverage of the Philippine dictatorship, the newspaper had lost some credibility among journalistic circles. "Obviously biased" was the common description. Other Filipino American and mainstream publications would always take what was bannered in the PhilNews with a grain of salt.

It was not until mainstream media like the New York Times and the San Francisco Examiner began covering the Philippines did the world recognize that what the PhilNews was writing about was true, including the arrests and disappearances of Marcos critics, the Marcos takeover of prominent institutions, the corruption of the regime, the abject fear Filipinos were living under, and the growing enrichment of the Marcos family and his coterie of friends. (As we later learned, the evil promulgated by the dictatorship was even worse than what was described by the PhilNews.)

The tentacles of fear reached into the Filipino American community through strong-arm tactics employed by the Marcos regime. Two union and anti-Marcos activists, Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes, were murdered in Seattle by assassins under orders of the Marcos surrogates. New publications were created to compete with the Philippine News. PhilNews' big advertisers, mostly travel agencies and airlines, were ordered to withdraw their advertising as the price of doing business in the Philippines. Marcos issued arrest warrants for PhilNews writers and editors.

We should provide a shout-out to the critical role played by S.F. Examiner reporter Phil Bronstein and photographer Kim Kominich. They were in Manila at the time the protests began and somehow found their way into Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the military units that broke ranks and sided with the Filipino people. Their stories and pictures were broadcast throughout the world alerting the rest of the globe what was happening in the Philippines. Because of Bronstein's relationship with Esclamado, Bronstein was able to gain access to people and stories that might otherwise elude American journalists. In kind, the S.F. Examiner allowed PhilNews to reprint Bronstein's reports and use Kominich's photographs.

So on Feb. 22, 1986, American networks began covering the mass protest in Manila that grew into the People Power bloodless revolution.

I remembered being glued to the TV news reports. All of us dreading the moment when the dictatorship would strike back against the rebel military units or crush the peaceful protesters on Epiifanio de los Santos Avenue, the nickname EDSA became a name for the protests that led to the eventual Marcos departure. 

Filipino nuns stopped soldiers sent to break up the protests.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines, led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, called on all Filipinos to join the protests. Hundreds of thousands of the faithful joined the students and union activists. Priests and nuns in their collars and habits came carrying rosary beads as weapons.

Pro-Marcos troops, many of them drawn from Marcos' home province, came to Manila to confront the protestors. We held our breath waiting for the bloodletting to begin.

The nuns knelt in front of the tanks to pray the rosary as the throngs of protestors surrounded the armored vehicles. To our utter amazement, the tanks stopped. They refused to break through the ranks of religious. More military units joined the rebel forces.

Behind the scenes in the early morning hours of Feb. 25, the Reagan administration, always a supporter of Marcos, saw the writing on the wall and changed its position. Back-and-forth phone calls between Reagan officials and the Marcoses made it clear that the time had come for Marcos to give up his power. A desperate Imelda even tried her hand at negotiations with Reagan's wife Nancy. First Lady Nancy Reagan assured Imelda that the decision was out of her hands.

In the morning of Feb. 25, 1986, the Philippines had two presidents. Marcos called his supporters to the palace to witness a lackluster oath-taking. Meanwhile, at a large hall in Manila, Cory Aquino, widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino was sworn into office by the Philippines' Supreme Court Chief Justice. Two weeks earlier, in a sham election hastily called by Marcos, Mrs. Aquino "lost" to Marcos in a highly questionable vote count. That phony election was the last straw for Filipinos.

By the evening of Feb. 25, Marcos and his retinue were flying to Clark Air Force Base, a U.S. air base, from which they were flown to exile in Hawaii. In a history-making event, the dictatorship was toppled without a drop of blood. 

Back in the United States, the Filipino/American community was divided into pro and anti-Marcos camps and with much of their energy devoted to ousting or defending the dictator,  Filipino Americans in 1986 were lagging compared to other ethnic communities and needed to strengthen their social, economic and political presence in America. Most Americans were hard put to find the Philippines on the map. 

Thirty years ago before social media, television allowed those images to reach across the Pacific and pull Filipino Americans out of the shadows and thrust into the limelight.

Those brave people in Manila raised the self-esteem of Filipino Americans and brought a pride in being Filipino that went beyond the ability to speak a Filipino dialect or whether one was born in the Philippines or the U.S. 

The small role that I played - though insignificant compared to Philippine News publisher Esclamado - in convincing America's mainstream media and politicians on the true nature of Ferdinand Marcos and his despotic regime, convinced me of the power of the written word and free press and the potential of journalism to right wrongs. EDSA and Esclamado also taught me that even though as journalists we are taught to be objective, sometimes, we have to take a stand and fight for what we know in our hearts to be right.

I designed the Philippine News' front page the next day with a huge picture taking up two-thirds of the page of millions of Filipinos massing on Manila's streets. Superimposed over the photo was the one-word headline, all-caps, "FREEDOM!"

Tanks were stopped by unarmed protesters at the Philippines' bloodless revolution in 1986.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Vanita Gupta: The criminalization of poverty

Vanita Gupta, an Indian/American, heads the civil rights division of the Department of Justice.

VANITA GUPTA, the head of the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, compared Flint, Michigan to Ferguson, Mo., in a speech she gave Friday (Feb. 19) at a two-day symposium on the criminalization of poverty held at the University of Michigan Law School.

"In communities across America today, from Ferguson, Mo., to Flint, Mich., too many people — especially young people and people of color – live trapped by the weight of poverty and injustice," said Gupta. "They suffer the disparate impact of policies driven by, at best, benign neglect, and at worst, deliberate indifference. And they see how discrimination stacks the deck against them."

Before he left office in 2014, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that Gupta, who at the time was deputy legal director for the ACLU, had “spent her entire career working to ensure that our nation lives up to its promise of equal justice for all.” He also praised her ability to work across the aisle.

“We come from a different side of spectrum than ACLU,” says Marc Levin, policy director for the conservative criminal justice reform organization Right on Crime. “But, I’ve found her interested in identifying areas where we can work together.”

The 41-year-old lawyer was born in Philadelphia to Indian/American immigrant parents and later went on to Yale University and New York University's Law School. 

Her most famous case was also one of her first. While working for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund in 2003, Gupta successfully got a judge to overturn the convictions of 38 African Americans from Tulia, Texas after they were wrongfully arrested in a drug sting.

Gupta led the DOJ investigation of the Ferguson police department after a police officer fatally shot the unarmed Michael Brown, and African American teenager. The DOJ file suit on Feb. 10 against the City of Ferguson in order to force the city to institute reform in its policing policies.

The civil-rights lawsuit against Ferguson alleges the city routinely violated residents’ rights and misused law enforcement to generate revenue — a practice the government said was “ongoing and pervasive.”

Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Ferguson’s decision to reject the agreement left the department no choice except to sue.

"As we discuss the inequality that pervades our criminal justice system – a defining civil rights challenge of the 21stcentury – we must also acknowledge the broader inequalities we face in other segments of society," she said at the symposium. 

RELATED: Read Vanita Gupta's complete speech

"Discrimination in so many areas – from the classroom, to the workforce, to the marketplace – perpetuates the inequality we see in our justice system. And for those already living paycheck-to-paycheck, a single incident – whether an arrest by the police or a fine by the court – can set off a downward spiral. It can lead to a cycle of profound problems that ruin lives and tear apart families. Problems like losing your health care, your job, your children or your home."

"Too many people grow up in our country and view justice as the provenance of the wealthy. They hear about the ideal of equal justice, but they find that in reality, it feels distant from the grasp of their community – far off and out of reach.

"Together," she concluded, "we must fulfill the fundamental promise of America – a promise that is written throughout our Constitution and woven into the fabric of our nation – so that we can make equal justice, equal opportunity and fundamental fairness a reality for all."

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For more news about Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.