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Washington, DC – Alvina Yeh, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO, issued the following statement after the passing of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, a prominent political leader who championed civil rights and served as the first Asian American cabinet member.
APALA Executive Director Alvina Yeh states, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Secretary Norman Mineta. Secretary Mineta has left his fingerprints across every major organization in the Asian American community. He was a man who had many firsts and titles to his name but never forgot his humble beginnings nor the impact of incarceration on a generation of Japanese Americans. We mourn the loss of this tremendous man who mentored, inspired, and influenced many across the community.”
The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) issued the following statement honoring the life of Secretary Norman Mineta.
It is difficult to quantify the impact that Secretary Mineta has had on our community. His loss, while tremendous, pales in comparison to the massive legacy he leaves behind. One would be hard-pressed to find a leader amongst us who wasn’t shaped by Secretary Mineta’s wisdom, generosity and kindness.
We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and the countless community members who were blessed to know him. While our hearts are heavy, we are resolved to carry on the work that he believed in so strongly.