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John,
My name is Yamuna Hopwood. For the past five months, I have been volunteering on Lauren’s campaign doing outreach to local groups about endorsements and events. Even during social distancing our outreach never slowed down, it’s only changed shape as we continue to dedicate Lauren’s time to speaking to as many people as possible in whatever way they are able.
Growing up as a first-generation Chinese-American, I struggled to come to terms with my cultural identity. Born and raised in the United States, I didn’t feel Asian enough to refer to myself as Asian American—but then, I didn’t feel American enough either. A lot has changed since then. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders constitute the fastest growing demographic in the United States: making their voices heard in music, film, and literature, and making untold contributions in business, science, and the arts.
I joined this campaign because I wanted to be part of a movement to redefine what our political leaders look like; where they come from, and whose interests they serve. I found in Lauren Ashcraft a progressive candidate who I believe embodies the change I want to see in our government and whose lived experience as a second-generation Japanese American has strengthened her resolve to stand up for the economic security, human rights, and social welfare of immigrant families like mine.
The current pandemic has reinforced that commitment. Since the shelter in place order took effect, a torrent of racially motivated attacks against Asian Americans has been unleashed upon communities like ours. The organization Stop AAPI Hate has counted 1,500 such incidents since May 19. In the meantime, influential figures have called into question the patriotism of Asian Americans—suggesting to tens of millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that they are not American enough.
As we turn the corner into Asian American Heritage month, I cannot help but remember how difficult it was, growing up in a world that could not decide how American I was, I cannot help but be thankful to be a part of a grassroots movement like this one: that is striving to provide fair and equitable representation for those who have gone underrepresented for far too long.
In solidarity,
Yamuna Hopwood
侯玉潔
P. S. ([link removed]) TONIGHT! Join Lauren and fellow Brand New Congress slatemates, Charles Booker (Kentucky) and Paula Jean Swearengin (West Virginia), for a town hall about the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the working class. ([link removed])
RSVP FOR BNC WORKING CLASS TOWN HALL ([link removed])
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