Washington, DC – The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) celebrates the visibility and presence of legislators from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community at last week’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia.
Last Friday, Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) was unanimously selected to succeed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) as the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Rep. Meng is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Small Business, and recently spearheaded legislation to eliminate the term “oriental” in federal law.
“We look forward to Rep. Meng’s leadership not only for the Democratic party but also for the entire AAPI community. Her leadership will help push important issues like disrupting the school to prion to deportation pipeline and stronger gun control measures,” commented APALA Executive Director Gregory A. Cendana.
Meng’s election to the DNC follows the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)’s presentation at the national political convening for the first time. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), chair of CAPAC, was joined by eight other CAPAC members, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU0), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), in recognizing the struggles and achievements of the AAPI community throughout history.
“CAPAC’s presentation at the DNC also marks an important shift for representing AAPI voices in government, legislation and policy on the national stage. Our country celebrates the diversity that all people bring, including immigrants and their families,” added APALA National President Johanna Hester. “Our community cannot be forgotten heading into November’s election, and we need to stand by candidates who will elevate our voices where they’re needed most.”
Last Friday, Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) was unanimously selected to succeed Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) as the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Rep. Meng is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Small Business, and recently spearheaded legislation to eliminate the term “oriental” in federal law.
“We look forward to Rep. Meng’s leadership not only for the Democratic party but also for the entire AAPI community. Her leadership will help push important issues like disrupting the school to prion to deportation pipeline and stronger gun control measures,” commented APALA Executive Director Gregory A. Cendana.
Meng’s election to the DNC follows the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)’s presentation at the national political convening for the first time. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), chair of CAPAC, was joined by eight other CAPAC members, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-GU0), Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (D-MP), and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), in recognizing the struggles and achievements of the AAPI community throughout history.
“CAPAC’s presentation at the DNC also marks an important shift for representing AAPI voices in government, legislation and policy on the national stage. Our country celebrates the diversity that all people bring, including immigrants and their families,” added APALA National President Johanna Hester. “Our community cannot be forgotten heading into November’s election, and we need to stand by candidates who will elevate our voices where they’re needed most.”
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To watch the CAPAC presentation at the DNC, please click here.
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