Throughout February, Advancing Justice — AAJC celebrated significant advocacy wins that will protect and benefit Asian Americans nationwide.
On February 23, the Department of Justice announced an end to the controversial "China Initiative" a program that had caused harmful racial profiling of Asian Americans and immigrants, especially in the areas of science and academics.
Our Telecommunications and Technology team played an integral role in advocating and advising on the Federal Communications Commission's transition from the temporary Emergency Broadband Program to the Affordable Connectivity Program, a permanent benefit program to help families gain access to affordable internet for work, school, and telehealth.
We commemorated what would have been the late Congressman John Lewis' 82nd birthday on February 21. Congressman Lewis’ legacy continues to fuel the fight to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act and finally restore the Voting Rights Act to its full measure. With voting rights still under attack, Advancing Justice — AAJC and other advocacy organizations across the country are urging Congress to take action and protect this fundamental part of our democracy.
Below are highlights of our ongoing efforts and initiatives from February and early March. We look forward to sharing more updates in our upcoming newsletter at the end of March!
Launch of the Wholestory Education (WE) Campaign
Across the country, our ability to learn history truthfully and have honest discussions about diversity, racism, and sexism are under attack. Advancing Justice — AAJC is working to change that.
In February, we were proud to host a convening and launch the Wholestory Education (WE) Campaign, an initiative to provide free resources and events for individuals and organizations to begin, supplement, or further advocacy in their communities for more comprehensive, honest, and empowering education. The convening featured a presentation by our Mis/Disinformation Policy Analyst Jenny Liu overviewing the controversy surrounding Critical Race Theory, as well as a presentation from Grace Pai, the Executive Director of Advancing Justice - Chicago, that highlighted how her organization led advocacy to win an Asian American history curriculum requirement in all public schools across Illinois.
Read an overview of recent attacks on more inclusive education and current advocacy efforts, our message guidance for community partners, and our talking points for community members and advocates.
Have questions about the WE Campaign or want to collaborate? Email our team: [email protected].
End of the China Initiative
In late February, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an end to the controversial “China Initiative,” and a series of changes to their national security approach to address concerns of profiling of Asian Americans and immigrants lifted up by Advancing Justice — AAJC and other civil rights and academic groups.
Our President and Executive Director, John C. Yang, commended the Justice Department’s recognition that the “China Initiative” was not the right approach and the need to terminate it because of the effect it has had on the Asian American community. "This is an important step towards ending the cyclical and historic racial profiling of Asian Americans and immigrants," he said.
Advancing Justice – AAJC vows to watch the federal government every step of the way as the ‘China Initiative’ is dismantled. As our communities continue to fight back against systemic racism and anti-Asian hate, we will hold the government accountable to ensure justice is delivered to the victims of the ‘China Initiative’ and racial profiling does not happen again to anyone.
Ringing in the Lunar New Year
In the face of devastating tragedies and senseless acts of violence against Asian Americans and all communities of color, our communities continue to rise up in solidarity to fight back against hate. As we celebrate the Year of the Tiger, we will carry our persistence, fierceness, and determination throughout 2022.
The year ahead may have its challenges but Advancing Justice — AAJC is committed to continuing our fervent advocacy until all our communities are safe, included, and protected.
Learn about Lunar New Year traditions and other new year/moon celebrations across the Asia and the Asian diaspora: Part 1, Part 2.
Celebrating Black History Month
Throughout February, we celebrated moments of Black History Month in the making, from Monifa B. McKnight being hired as Montgomery County, MD's first woman schools superintendent to the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
We also uplifted the story of Jane Bolin, the first Black woman to become a judge in the United States, and highlighted our partner UndocuBlack, a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people leading critical immigration advocacy.
Looking for more Black History Month content? Read our blog on five major events exemplifying the long-standing history of Black and Asian solidarity.
Latest Blog: A Review of State Tech Policy Trends and What to Watch for in 2022
Nicole Morgenstern, Programs and Executive Assistant, identifies six major trends to watch in state-level tech policy this year. At a time when internet connectivity is essential for families and children, advancements in policy and investment in technology help to provide critical resources and services to our communities and ensure they are protected online.
In-Language Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment
Advancing Justice — AAJC is proud to provide in-language Bystander Intervention Trainings for limited English proficient members of our community. We are hosting upcoming sessions with simultaneous translations in:
