Your monthly source for news, events and opportunities from the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
Participant Leng Leng Chancey embraces Marianne Chung at the vigil marking the end of the 100 Miles 100 Women march Sept. 22.
Activists from NCAPA member the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) were among the 100 women to walk 100 miles in a pilgrimage to lift up the message of immigrant and migrant dignity to coincide Pope Francis’ arrival to the U.S. The women started their walk at the York County Detention Center in Pennsylvania and ended in Washington, D.C. Read their coverage in the Washington Post and feature in a blog by Deepa Iyer. We Belong Together is a campaign by NAPAWF and the National Domestic Worker's Alliance.
In an article about the latest immigration Pew report, National Director Christopher Kang said, "The report underscores the fact that there’s not enough hard data to know what the true needs of the [Asian-American] community are,” which obstructs meaningful dialogue. The study details perceptions about the U.S. immigrant population.
APIAHF President & CEO Kathy Ko Chin and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy at APIAHF'S VOICES Conference Sept. 14. (Photo: APIAHF)
Over the past few weeks, NCAPA members have held conventions across the country focused on Native Hawaiian issues (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement), affordable housing and economic justice (National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development) and health advocacy (Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum).
Journalist and illustrator Josh Kramer wrote an illustrated essay called "Tell me something about Sikh people" in the Wilson Quarterly about Sikh Americans, their contributions and their experiences after 9/11. Staff and interns from NCAPA member the Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund (SALDEF) were interviewed.
From NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang: Welcome to the relaunch of the NCAPA newsletter! And more importantly, thank you to the NCAPA Board, staff, and all 35 of our member organizations for the warm welcome you have extended me as I embark on this mission with you.
Earlier this week, our community lost an icon with the passing of Grace Lee Boggs. As I considered what #GraceLeeTaughtMe, I was struck by her caution against overestimating the role of activism and underestimating the role of reflection, so I plan to use this column to share some reflections.
One of the phrases you will often hear me say or tweet is “We’re all in this together.” I realize it’s a little cliché, but it resonates with me because we are, all, in this together.
In some ways, this mantra runs counter to the important work we do in educating others that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are not a homogenous community. None of us is a “model minority,” and every day, we bust that myth—whether through policy recommendations or simple everyday interactions. We have different needs and concerns—and demand the disaggregated data to prove what our local organizing and services anecdotally tell us to be true.
Follow Christopher on Twitter: @ChrisNCAPA NEWS BRIEFS
U.S. Department of Interior makes step toward self governance for Native Hawaiians: Under a new proposed rule, the Native Hawaiian community, not the Federal government, will make a decision about their government-to-government relationship. NCAPA and member Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement have long supported self governance and we thank the Department of the Interior for moving this rule forward.
Celebrating Filipino American History Month: This month we celebrate the achievements of the Filipino American community. Community partners and NCAPA members started off the month with an AAPI community reception recognizing Filipino American leaders and featuring a Filipino food showcase.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: According to the Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence, 21-55 percent of Asian and Pacific Islander women reported experiencing domestic violence during their lifetime. The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project in Washington, D.C. is hosting events to raise awareness this month, including an Oct. 13 film screening and discussion and art showcase on Oct. 29.
