Yes We Can: People share their most memorable moments from the Obama Presidency

AS BARACK OBAMA'S historic presidency comes to an end, we are already feeling a sense of loss, especially considering what's to come next.

From the moment we began chanting "Yes, we can," to the president's final public speech that will be in Chicago, Jan. 10 (Tuesday) it has been a special time, not just for African/Americans, not only for People of Color, not only for Americans. We might not see a presidency like his ever again - at least in the near future.

My personal favorite moment is this one that seemed so spontaneous but so moving: Obama soars with "Amazing Grace."

This video was produced by Yes We Can. It features people from all over the world recalling  their favorite moment during Obama's two terms in office. It has a quite a few responses from Asians and Asian/Americans.

You can share your favorite Obama moment here.

President Obama becomes first President to light diya for Diwali

President Obama lights the die in the Oval Office with some White House staff.

By Louis Chan
REPRINTED FROM ASAM NEWS

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA on Sunday (Oct. 30) became the first president ever to light a diya in the Oval Office.

The President joined Indian/American staff members in the White House for a small celebration.

“I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali,” said the President in a message sent out on social media.

The post and picture generated 4,400 comments, 209,000 likes and 48,000 shares on Facebook.

Sreejith Vignesh wrote “Not sure the other U.S. presidents will honor us like this. On behalf of each and every Indian, I record here my sincere thanks.”

Nisha Graves said, “As an Indian-born American, I am truly honored! Thank you for acknowledging Diwali - you are a class act! Thank you for acknowledging diversity! Happy Diwali to you!”

Nana Thompson said “This is who we are, Americans! Respect and honor diversity, embrace the good in all faiths, all cultures, and shine the light!”

Obama became the first President ever to celebrate Diwali in 2009, but did not light a diya.

“We recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” wrote the President in his Facebook post. 

“It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together. And it’s a time to renew our collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other’s shoes and see the world through each other’s eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters – and as fellow Americans.”

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FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH: White House celebrates Filipino American History Month

'STAND UP AND BE PROUD TO BE PINOY"

Filipino American Trailblazers at the White House on Sept. 30, from left to right: Cristeta Comerford, White House Executive Chef, Apl.de.ap, co-founder of the Black Eyed Pease; Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, singer; Geena Rocero, model/founder of Gender Proud; Jo Koy, comedian; Ronnie del Carmen, co-director at Pixar Animation Studios and moderator Billy Dec, member of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA proclaimed October as Filipino American Heritage Month. He invited prominent Filipino Americans to the a conference at the White House.

"Generations of Filipino Americans have lent their unique voices to the vibrant diversity of origins, cultures and communities, that make  American what it is," said Obama in a statement read at the White House event, which hosted the event for the first-time, a history-making moment in itself.

“Seventy years ago, the United States and our allies overcame forces of tyranny and oppression that threatened not only the Pacific but the entire world—a victory made possible in part by thousands of Filipino-Americans who fought for our nation but who for far too long were denied the compensation they had earned,” the President said.

"Fifty years ago, courageous farm workers in Delano helped bring about progress that would forever change the labor movement," he said, "both within the Filipno-American community and for our country as a whole."

“You know, it’s a good indicator that you’ve arrived when you don’t only have your own month but that the White House is saying they want to celebrate it, too,” said Nani Coloretti, the keynote speaker who is the highest ranking Filipino-American in the Obama administration. Coloretti is deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Its important to acknowledge your roots, said the Maui-born and raised Coloretti. Her grandfather was a labor organizer in the sugar cane industry.

Nani Coloretti

The Filipino American National Historical Society announced that the theme of this year’s celebration would be “1965: Tipping Point for the Filipino American Community” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of three momentous events, the organization’s national president Mel Orpilla said. In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act was passed and Filipino farm workers (Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and many more manongs) lead the Delano Grape Strike. Additionally, at that time, Filipino American men were either enlisting in the military or fighting in the Vietnam War.

The three-hour event at the White House included a panel of "trailblazers." Its worth your time to listen to the hour-long video below. There are lots of tidbits, information and inspiration from these standouts in their respective professions. 

“As a community we need to collaborate, reach out, and not be ashamed to represent our culture,” Apl said.

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