Dear John,

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the broad range of AAPI cultures and to take joy in both our shared experiences and our diversity, while also remembering just how far there is still to go. 

Asian Americans here in Monterey Park woke up the morning after their Lunar New Year celebrations the year to hear of a mass shooting in a local dance hall. Just a few months later, a sitting Congressmember accused me of disloyalty — an accusation too many in our communities know all too well. And South Carolina and Texas are revisiting racist land-laws that prevent Chinese Americans from buying a home. 

All of this comes amidst ongoing anti-Asian hate, which remains exponentially higher than before the pandemic. It's abundantly clear just how much the language we use matters, especially from those with a large microphone. 

But I would be remiss not to mention all of the incredible progress our communities are making. 

AAPIs played a defining role in the 2020 election, and since then, Asian Americans have run for office, showed up to vote, and organized their communities at unprecedented rates. Just last month, the Senate advanced the nomination of Julie Su for Labor Secretary. If confirmed, she'll bring critical representation to the US cabinet. 

These are real wins, and they're possible because people like you have stepped up. I'm proud of the role I've played in building Asian American political power — and I'm ready to keep working towards a safer and more diverse future. 

I hope you'll join me. 

In solidarity, 

Judy