Biden promises Lahaina will be rebuilt the way locals want it build "so it is still a community"

FEMA

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walked down what remains of Lahaina's Front Street.

President Biden visited the fire-ravaged Hawaiian town of Lahina and met with surviving residents and first responders after his speech. 

Biden and First Lady Jill Biden walked Lahaina's historic Front Street to get a close-up view of the remains of a once-bustling town and tourist destination. He stopped to pet a cadaver dog, one of scores of specially trained canines that seek out human remains; and peered into cars abandoned as the wildfire overtook the traffic-hindered vehicles; and inspected the famous 150-year od banyan tree in Couorthouse Square.

He called the devestation as "overwhelming," in his remarks in which he offered hope and promised the federal aid to the survivors and state officials that included US Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz as well as Gov. Josh Green and other local officials.

Biden said: "It’s time it rises up for you all. It’s time to rebuild this community the way you want it built — the way you want it; so it’s still a community, not a group of beautiful homes, but a community," which drew applause from the locals who fear that developers would buy up ravaged properties and build more luxurious accomodations for outsiders.

The hosing shortage in Hawaii is one of the worst in the nation. Local workers in the tourist industry, teachers and even the first responders find it difficult to find affordable housing. People often work two or three jobs to pay the rent or mortgage.

A few blocks away from the President's visit, the sesarch for bodies continue for the 850 people still missing. The death toll of 115 is expected to rise dramatically as the cadaver dogs continue their grim search.

The emergency shelters erected immediately after the fires started are nearly all empty now. The immediate needs of the displaced families are being met. Survivors are sleeping in federally subsided hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Local disaster relief organizations are providing thousands of hot meals a day.

Although the President's 6-hour visit was welcomed, local residents have a wait-and-see attitude. They like Biden's message but they worry about the furture in the long term. Even with the federal aid, it will take years to rebuild the lost homes and infrastructure.

Dr. John Vaz, CEO of the Community Clinic of Maui, said that in the days after the fire swept across Maui, donations of food and access to transportation and transitional house have been abundant. "But I can already see that some of those local efforts are not going to be sustainable," he told media.

Marring the President's visit were reports by conservative media trying to create  political capital from the tragedy by spreading misinformation and biased headlines: Biden listening and gathering his toughts turned into "dozing," stopping to pet a dog became "insensitive and ignoring human needs," wanting not to get in the way of  emergency personnel became "ignoring Maui" and "not doing enough."

Biden declared Maui a national disaster hours after it started two weeks ago and mobilized federal resources to assist in the rescue and recovery. Federal assistance continues to pour into the island.

Earlier in Monday, Biden announced the appointment of FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton as the federal government’s Chief Federal Response Coordinator. In this role, Fenton will ensure that every federal asset is provided to help the community rebuild as fast as possible on Maui.

To further assist the community’s recovery, the Major Disaster Declaration was amended to provide additional funding to restore or rebuild disaster-damaged publicly owned facilities and the facilities of eligible private nonprofits.

More than 1,000 federal personnel are on the ground on Maui assisting residents in their greatest time of need, including more than 430 search and rescue team members and 43 canines trained to identify remains. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are going into communities to help people register for assistance.

To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved over $10 million in assistance to more than 3,000 households.

Undeterred by the negative coverage, Biden continued to do what he does best: empathize and console."Just before coming here, I stood in front of a banyan tree that’s stood for 150 years. Burned, but it still stands. One resident called it a diamond in the rough of hope. Another said, 'Fire cannot reach its roots.'

"I know it’s a metaphor, but that’s you. That’s who you are. That’s Hawaii. There’s no quit in Hawaii. There’s no quit in America. There’s no quit in us if we remember, for God’s name, who we are."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me at Threads.net/eduardodiok, @DioknoEd on Twitter or at the blog Views From the Edge.

President Biden: "Immigrants keep our Nation strong and our economy growing"

President Biden recalled his family' immigrant roots and that of Vice President Kamala Harris in proclaiming June as National Immigrant Heritage Month.

Other leaders, including members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus extolled the benefits of immigration.

"America is more than a place; it is an idea. It is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives and that everyone should have a fair shot and an equal chance to get ahead," said Biden in his proclamation issued May 31. "That is what has drawn people to our shores for centuries. It is what makes us who we are."

Biden used the occasion to remind everyone that, except for the nation's indigenous peoples, the United States is still the land of immigrants. 

"The First Lady and I are proud descendants of immigrants — the Giacoppas, from the northeast corner of Sicily in Italy, and the Finnegans of County Louth and the Blewitts of County Mayo in Ireland. Vice President Harris was born in Oakland, California, to parents who emigrated from India and Jamaica." 

"Many families also came to America in search of a better future and the promise of the American Dream, and each wave of newcomers brings energy and new ideas to move our Nation forward," he continued 

"Today, one third of our doctors and nearly three quarters of our farmworkers are immigrants, and so many more are essential workers, first responders, and military service members. Immigrants own approximately one in five businesses, create millions of jobs, pay hundreds of billions in taxes, and spend even more on American goods. Almost half of all Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their kids. Immigrants help strengthen our diplomatic and people-to-people ties around the world. It’s simple: immigrants keep our Nation strong and our economy growing.

Reforming the US's immigration policies is one of Biden's sore points with Congress. Many immigrant advocates criticize the President for a lack of substantive reform and for continuing some of Donald Trump's more harsh policies on the southern border.

"On day one of my Presidency, I sent the Congress my plan that includes a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, people with temporary status, farmworkers, and essential workers; smarter border solutions, including more equipment and modern infrastructure; and provisions to clear court backlogs, speed up processing, and protect families. 

Until the Congress acts, my Administration will keep using every tool we have to make the system more orderly, safe, and humane. 

Some of the measures his administration has introduced include:

• Establishing new centers where would-be immigrants could fill out the application forms instead omaking a dangerous journey to the US-Mexico border.

• Whistleblower protections for undocumented workers who might be experience exploitation.

• Strengthening President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allowing Dreamers, the children of undocumented immigrants, to live and work while awaiting citizenship.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-HI, the only immigrants serving in the US Senate and a CAPAC member, issued this statement:

“Immigrants play vital roles in communities across the country. Many of them worked tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and fed on the frontlines during the peak of the pandemic, and continue to do so today. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing National Immigrant Heritage Month. This month, and every month, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse, equitable society where immigrants, and all people are safe, welcome, and celebrated.”

Currently, the majority of AANHPI are first-generation immigrants or their children. The top Asian countries with months-long lists waiting for their coveted US visas are China, India and the Philippines. 

Among immigrants who arrived within the past five years, Asian Americans already outnumber Hispanics, according to the Pew Research Center. This slowed Hispanic immigration also will have a longer-term impact: In 2055, Asians will outnumber Hispanics among all immigrants – 38% to 31%. (Today those shares are 26% and 47%.)

"As we commence National Immigrant Heritage Month, I proudly stand as a descendant of Japanese immigrants, celebrating the vibrant contributions they and other AAPI immigrants have made to our great nation," added Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA, vice-chair of CAPAC. "Their diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives have woven the fabric of America's identity, fostering innovation, resilience, and the spirit of unity that defines us as a people. "

Before signing the proclamation, Biden described the journey of his Irish ancestors to America and the hopes and dreams they brought with them to a new land.

"We see those same values alive at the White House every time we celebrate our proud immigrant communities, whose holidays and rich cultures give new life to our Nation — including Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights; Eid, the feast ending Ramadan; Greek Independence Day, a celebration of freedom and democracy; and the Lunar New Year, a festivity committing to new beginnings. We see that spirit of hope at every naturalization ceremony, when we celebrate the journey completed by millions of people whose courage and commitment have earned them a title that is equal to that of President in our democracy — the title of 'citizen.' This month, we honor our ancestors by working to keep the torch of liberty lit and held high.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.

Biden officially declares May as AANHPI Heritage Month

WHITE HOUSE

The largest gathering of AANHPI leaders met at the White House when President Biden
unveiled the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities.

President Biden declared May 2023 as "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" with an official proclamation that he signed April 28.

"From historic Oscar-winning performances in film to achievements across business, culture, sports, and civil rights, AA and NHPIs shape and strengthen the fabric of this Nation," stated Biden. "We see their contributions as business owners and caregivers as well as their service in the military and on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic."

In the proclamation he touted the achievements of AANHPI in the history of the United States and pointed to the high-ranking AANHPPI he has included in his administration starting with Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was an immigrant from India.

FYI: Click here to read the complete proclamation

He took note of the current wave of anti-Asian hate that surged from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps taken to address that issue.

"Despite the immeasurable ways AA and NHPIs enrich this country, we continue to see persistent racism, harassment, and hate crimes against these communities. Attacks on Asian American women and elders have left too many families afraid to leave their homes and too many loved ones traumatized," said Biden. 

"To address the rising tide of anti-Asian violence, I signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law — which included the Jabara-Heyer No HATE Act, making it easier for Americans to report hate crimes and to help State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies better track these hateful acts."

In just the first two years of his administration, Biden launched the "first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities. " to make sure that the entire federal government disaggregates the data that it collects so that agencies could better address and outreach to the scores of AA and NHPI communities.

FYI: 

• Click here to see more detailed stats on the AANHPI population including voter registration, marital status, housing and income. 
• Click here for more responses from members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

Biden announces gun control initiative during visit to Monterey Park

President Biden visited Monterey Park to announce an executive order for gun enforcement.

President Biden used his visit with the victims' families of the Monterey Park mass shooting to announce his latest executive order for gun control which  "will accelerate and intensify this work to save more lives more quickly."

Biden was in Monterey Park to console the shooting victims and the families who lost loved ones two months ago when 72-year old Huu Can Tran fatally shot 11 elders and wounded nine others who were celebrating Lunar New Year at a local dance studio last January.

He called the shooting “a tragedy that has pierced the soul of this nation” and that struck “the heart of the Asian American community.”

Monterey Park is located east of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, home to more than half a million Asian Americans. Nine cities in the valley have Asian American  majorities.

WHITE HOUSE

President Biden once again introduced hero Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the Monterey Park gunman.

Biden used the visit to announce his executive order that calls on Attorney General Merrick Garland to shore up the already existing rules for federally licensed gun dealers so they know they are required to do background checks as part of the license.

"I continue to call on Congress to require background checks for all firearm sales," Biden continued. "My executive order directs my Attorney General to take every lawful action possible — possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation.

"It’s just common sense to check whether someone is a felon, a domestic abuser, before they buy a gun."

The executive order also expands public awareness campaigns about the “red flag” orders that "parents, teachers, police officers, health providers, and counselors know how to flag" individuals  exhibiting violent tendencies, threatening classmates, or experiencing suicidal thoughts that make them a danger to themselves and others and temporarily remove that person’s access to firearms.

The President also said, "The executive order ramps up our efforts to hold the gun industry accountable. It’s the only outfit you can’t sue these days. It does that by calling out for an independent government study that analyzes and exposes how gun manufacturers aggressively market firearms to civilians, especially minors, including by using military imagery.

The order will also make firearms dealers more accountable and illegal gun dealers and also create a FEMA-like quick response to help victims of mass shootings with financial assistance and mental health care.

WHITE HOUSE

Part of the crowd who met with President Biden during his visit to Monterey Park.

The executive order is meant to only be the first step for Biden. He is also proposing legislation that will  ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. (Applause.) I led that fight in — to ban them in 1994. In the 10 years that law was in place, mass shootings went down.

"After three years of trauma that so many of us are living with day in and day out, it's critical that we have the conversation around gun safety given what has happened," Manjusha Kulkarni, the executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance and a co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, was quoted as saying by the report.

Kulkarni said in the report that around 3,000 Asian Americans are impacted by gun violence every year, with women and elderly people in the AAPI community having disproportionately experienced verbal harassment, racism, discrimination, and sometimes physical attacks.

The Asian American community needs "elected officials to rise to the challenge, and pass legislation to keep all of our communities in California and throughout the U.S. safe," she said.

"The data is clear: gun safety laws save lives," tweeted California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Filipino American. 

"We have a moral and ethical obligation to enact them. I stand with the President as he takes this necessary step toward addressing the gun violence crisis," said Bonta, who greeted Biden in Monterey Park.

Hundreds of people waited in the rain to get a glimpse of the Presidential motorcade as it drove through the city to the Boys and Girls Club where Biden met with Monterey Park residents and officials and delivered his speech.

"It takes time. I tell everyone ... it takes time," Biden said in closing. "But I promise you — I promise you the day will come when the memory of your loved one brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. The tear will never fully go away. But when you had that smile first ... that’s when you know — that’s when you know you’re going to make it — you’re going to know you’re going to make it."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

Lunar New Year celebrated at the White House

President Biden greeted guests at the first White House observance of Lunar New Year.

Before celebrating the Lunar New Year in the White House, President Biden asked Congressmember Judy Chu, who represents Monterey Park, if it would be appropriate to continue the event so soon after the mass shootings in California.

“Judy, what should I do? Should I continue to — should I be in California or should I still have this celebration?” said Biden. "And she felt very strongly. She said, 'We have to move forward.'”

"Her message was: Don’t give into fear and sorrow. Don’t do that. Stand in solidarity in the spirit of toughness that this holiday is all about."

For the first time ever, the White House celebrated Lunar New Year last Thursday.

“For all the progress, this community has experienced profound hate, pain, and violence and loss,” Biden said. “As I’ve said before, hate can have no safe harbor in America. No person deserves to be treated in a hateful way.”

The President also made notice of Brandon Tsay, 26, who was at a second dance studio a few miles from the scene of the tragedy in Monterey Park when the same gunman entered his dance studio, holding his weapon. Tsay was able to wrestle the weapon away from the gunman, who then fled.

Biden said he spoke to Tsay and called him a "genuine hero."

Biden was introduced by Elaine Tso, CEO of Asian Services in Action in Ohio.

"It means so much to the Asian American community that the White House is hosting this first-ever Lunar New Year event," said Tso. "You know, and because of it, you know, we feel seen, we feel heard. (Applause.) And more importantly — more importantly, we feel valued and — and acknowledged as members of this amazing country that — that welcomes and supports a vibrant community from — from diverse origins."

The President also pointed to the diversity in his administration, stressing to the AAPI audience that more than 13% of his administration is of Asian and Pacific Islander background.

Biden noted that from Day One, the administration has taken steps and introduced policies to improve recognition and support for Asian Americans, including legislation to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, as well as a bill to combat the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans stemming from the pandemic.

“We cannot be silent,” Biden said Thursday. “I will not be silent.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

Federal government lays out action plans to achieve racial, economic equity

WHITE HOUSE

President Biden's advisor Susan Rice hosted the unveiling of of the government's equity plans..

 

A year after, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

That historic Executive Order directed the whole of the federal government to advance an ambitious equity and racial justice agenda.

Thursday, April 15, more than 90 federal agencies, including all Cabinet-level agencies, unveiled the first-ever Equity Action Plans that lay out more than 300 concrete strategies and commitments to address the systemic barriers in our nation’s policies and programs that hold too many underserved communities back from prosperity, dignity, and equality.

Those communities include poor communities, Asian Americans, Blacks, Latinos, tribal, rural and LGBTQ communities; and people with disabilities and women and girls and addresses disaggregating data and fighting the anti-Asian hate acts plaguing the AANHPI communities.

In a meeting with leaders from the AANHPI communities, Biden said that the hate acts are "often met with silence. That’s been true throughout our history, but that has to change — because our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit. We have to speak out. We have to act."

The action includes developing and implementing the equity plans which were discussed at the Thursday White House event hosted by domestic policy adviser Susan Rice, budget director Shalanda Young and members of the Cabinet.

“Improving access to Justice Department programs and services is critical to ensuring equal justice under law and promoting public safety,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department’s Equity Action Plan is designed to increase equity, opportunity, and resources to our most vulnerable communities.”

Since Jan. 20, 2021, the Department has taken many steps to advance equity for marginalized communities, including by combating hate crimes and hate incidents, revitalizing the Community Relations Service, re-establishing the Office for Access to Justice, ensuring non-discrimination in federal grants, expanding language access, and reforming law enforcement practices. The Department’s Equity Action Plan will build on these ongoing efforts.

"Education has the power to bring the American Dream within reach of every individual, lift communities, draw people together, drive our economy, and meet our nation's vast potential," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "We need to keep the focus on transforming our education system so it truly expands opportunity for all students, no matter their race, background, zip code, age, or family's income.Together, we must take bold action to ensure our nation's schools are defined not by disparities, but by equity and excellence, especially as we recover from the pandemic and reemerge stronger than before."

Advancing equity is not a one-year project—it is a generational commitment. These plans are an important step forward, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to make the promise of America real for every American, but especially for those communities that historically did not have access to the opportunities provided by the multitude of government programs, services and job openings.

The plans put forth Thursday included implementing the first-ever national strategy on gender equity and equality; working to ensure the federal government is a model for diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility; working to deliver environmental justice through the Justice40 Initiative; and working to prevent and combat discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.

For more details on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance equity and justice for underserved communities, visit www.whitehouse.gov/equity.

President Biden proclaims Day of Remembrance; "Nidoto Nai Yoni"

The seeds of ignorance, hate and fear that ushered in a dark chapter of American history, the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII, is reemerging as attacks against all AAPI communities continue.

In this time of rising anti-Asian hate, President Biden issued a statement commemorating the Day of Remembrance, Feb. 19, 1942 when President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 that allowed the imprisonment of 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent.

"Today, we recognize that euphemistic terms that we have collectively used in the past — such as 'assembly centers,' 'relocation,' or 'internment' — do not adequately describe the injustice experienced by some 120,000 people; we recognize the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans and others during World War II ..." 

RELATED: JACL statement on the 8oth anniversary of EO 9066.

This is a shameful chapter of American history some would like to forget because it is uncomfortable to acknowledge that the path to a "more perfect Union," espoused in the Constitution is littered with mistakes. We need to learn from our mistakes.

As Biden states, "We reaffirm our commitment to Nidoto Nai Yoni, which translates to 'Let It Not Happen Again.' ”

Following is Biden's complete statement released yesterday, Feb. 18, 2022:

Eighty years ago, on February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, stripping people of Japanese descent of their civil rights.  That order and the subsequent actions carried out by the Federal Government represent one of the most shameful chapters in our Nation’s history.  On this Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II, we acknowledge the unjust incarceration of some 120,000 Japanese Americans, approximately two-thirds of whom were born in the United States.

Despite never being charged with a crime, and without due process, Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and communities and incarcerated, simply because of their heritage.  For years, many Japanese Americans lived in harsh, overcrowded conditions, surrounded by barbed wire fences and armed guards.  Not only did they lose their homes, businesses, property, and savings — they also lost their liberty, security, and the fundamental freedoms that belong to all Americans in equal measure.

I have always believed that great nations do not ignore their most painful moments — they confront them with honesty and, in doing so, learn from them and grow stronger as a result.  The incarceration of Japanese Americans 80 years ago is a reminder to us today of the tragic consequences we invite when we allow racism, fear, and xenophobia to fester.

Today, we reaffirm the Federal Government’s formal apology to Japanese Americans whose lives were irreparably harmed during this dark period of our history, and we solemnly reflect on our collective moral responsibility to ensure that our Nation never again engages in such un-American acts.  We acknowledge the intergenerational trauma and loss that the incarceration of Japanese Americans has caused.  We also uplift the courage and resilience of brave Japanese Americans who, despite being unjustly incarcerated, formed powerful communities and marshalled incredible dignity and strength.

Many of those whose families were incarcerated volunteered or were drafted to serve in combat — courageously serving in the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, Army Nurse Corps, and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team with unwavering patriotism.  The all-Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team became two of the most decorated and distinguished military units in our Nation’s history.  Countless Japanese Americans carry forward this legacy of extraordinary service today, and their work to preserve the history of this period strengthens our Nation and our democracy.

We reflect on the bravery of civil rights leaders like Fred Korematsu, Minoru Yasui, Gordon Hirabayashi, and Mitsuye Endo, and that of every Japanese American who organized and sought redress.  Their efforts helped bring about the first Day of Remembrance, led President Jimmy Carter to sign the law creating the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, and spurred President Ronald Reagan to sign the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided monetary reparations to living survivors and an official apology to the Japanese American community.  At the same time, we also acknowledge the painful reality that Japanese Latin Americans, who were taken from their Central and South American homes and incarcerated by the United States Government during World War II, were excluded from the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

Today, the National Park Service helps preserve several Japanese American incarceration camps.  These tangible reminders of our history provide important spaces for reflection and learning about the injustices born of prejudice.  Preserving incarceration sites as national parks and historic landmarks is proof of our Nation’s commitment to facing the wrongs of our past, to healing the pain still felt by survivors and their descendants, and to ensuring that we always remember why it matters that we never stop fighting for equality and justice for all.  My Administration is committed to maintaining these national parks and landmarks for future generations and to combating xenophobia, hate, and intolerance — including through the reestablished White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.  In the words of Dr. Frank Kitamoto, who was incarcerated as a child, “This is not just a Japanese American story but an American story with implications for the world.” 

The words we use to describe the historical and present treatment of communities of color and other underserved communities have profound meaning.  Today, we recognize that euphemistic terms that we have collectively used in the past — such as “assembly centers,” “relocation,” or “internment” — do not adequately describe the injustice experienced by some 120,000 people; we recognize the forced removal and mass incarceration of Japanese Americans and others during World War II; and we reaffirm our commitment to Nidoto Nai Yoni, which translates to “Let It Not Happen Again.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 19, 2022, as a Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II.  I call upon the people of the United States to commemorate this injustice against civil liberties and civil rights during World War II; to honor the sacrifice of those who defended the democratic ideals of this Nation; and to commit together to eradicate systemic racism to heal generational trauma in our communities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AAPI perspective, follow me on Twitter @DioknoEd.