John,

We are nearing the end of May, the month chosen to commemorate the accomplishments and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States. While we celebrate our diverse AAPI communities, this past year of hate crimes, racism, and bigotry makes this year’s commemoration a somber one.

 Following the  March mass shooting in Atlanta, where six Asian-American women were among the eight lives taken too soon, the Democratic Party of Oregon and the AAPI Caucus came together to denounce the violence, hate, and racism against the AAPI community. You can read our joint statement here.      

The creation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month originated because two women Congressional staffers of Asian descent, Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy, spoke up. They wanted to see their history and the sacrifices of their ancestors nationally recognized to illustrate that Asians and Pacific Islanders have always had a role in American society.  

While the recent news cycle reminds us of the wounds and trauma of our ancestors that came before us, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is about looking to our past to inspire us on the work we must continue, while simultaneously looking toward the future for the generations to come.

Today, we must unequivocally reject bigotry and raise our collective voices to share and remind ourselves that AAPIs have always been a part of the American fabric. We are storytellers, and our story is one that encompasses a shared journey of grit, determination, bravery, grief, and adversity.

In March, the Democratic Party of Oregon State Central Committee unanimously approved a resolution submitted by our Caucus condemning anti-Asian American & Pacific Islander hate and racism. You can read the resolution here.

Last week, President Joe Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, legislation that was spearheaded by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Grace Meng (D-NY) as a response to the rise in hate crimes against AAPIs. This watershed moment is in honor of those that speak up, and it would not have been possible without the AAPIs and allies speaking out against injustice. And today, President Biden will sign an Executive Order establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders – delivering on his commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate this historic Initiative.

From our AAPI leadership in Congress, all the way down to those serving in our local governments, we are pushed to understand that representation goes beyond checking a box — it’s about how our experiences can shape better, more equitable policies that enhance and protect the livelihoods of all Americans. 

This was very much true in Oregon’s recent Special District Elections, where AAPI candidates (many of whom our Caucus hosted a panel with) ran and WON! Most importantly, equity and democracy was on the ballot. And while we as a Caucus do not endorse in elections, we can certainly give heartfelt congratulations to the AAPI candidates who ran and won their elections!

Despite the hurdles, there are waves of joy to embrace. There is strength in community. Today and every day, we choose to honor the past and continue the collective hum of progress that has pulsed through our veins for centuries.

In Solidarity,

Chrissy Erguiza
Chair
DPO Asian American & Pacific Islander Caucus
 

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