In May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as well as Jewish American History Month.
The stories and work of the AANHPI and Jewish communities are indispensable to the history of our nation. This month is a reminder that no single group of people drives the story of America. Our story reflects the best of everyone. Hope. It’s the reason we continue to push toward a more perfect union.
It’s the spirit of hope that drove the Biden-Harris administration’s work to lift up AANHPI and Jewish communities. From the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act spearheaded by Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Grace Meng, to the American Rescue Plan that helped small businesses stay open, to the continued efforts to bring down costs, the administration remains committed to building a government that addresses the everyday needs of every American.
I’m honored and grateful to work alongside DNC Vice Chair Tammy Duckworth and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong in support of those accomplishments and many more to come. Their example of leadership and service has no doubt inspired countless other members of the AANHPI community who will lead both the Democratic Party and the U.S. into the future.
With all that we should be celebrating this month, it pains me to see the news that the Supreme Court might overturn Roe v. Wade. Make no mistake: This would deal a devastating blow to reproductive rights and Americans’ fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their health care and families.
Extremist Republicans and conservative justices have made it clear where they stand. We need to be just as clear in the midterm election. Each one of our voices needs to be heard, and we have to fight back with everything we have.
Let’s make Republicans answer for their party’s relentless attacks on Americans’ rights.
Jaime
Jaime Harrison
Chair
Democratic National Committee
On the Ground
The Colorado Democratic Party launched its “2022 Democracy Tour, Let’s Come Together” on May 7. Running until October, the tour will make 12 stops around the state covering every area from metro Denver to the rural corners. It promises food, fun, and politics.
Following an extremely active campaign led in part by the Democratic Party of Hawai'i, the state legislature passed HB 2510, which will raise Hawai'i's minimum wage to $12 an hour in October 2022; and then to $14 an hour in 2024; $16 an hour in 2026; and finally $18 an hour in 2028. The Hawai'i Dems were vocal leaders in calling on their members to introduce and pass this legislation.
The Texas Democratic Party is rolling out a statewide volunteer relational program, called Connect Texas, giving every county party in the state access to those tools. The party is also piloting a small paid relational program. In partnership with PDI, they’re also launching an app that allows campaigns and committees to use relational organizing for voter registration. It’s customized for states that require voters to physically mail in their absentee ballot requests, like Texas.
Folks You Should Know
Atoyia Deans, Coalitions Manager
Atoyia works to support Disability, Seniors, Ethnic, and Black coalition engagement. Previously, she served as Special Assistant to the Political and Organizing Director. Atoyia has also worked as a photojournalist at one of the nation’s largest news publications, the Tampa Bay Times. She is a graduate of Howard University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Roger Lau, Deputy Executive Director
Roger came to the DNC from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office, where he served as a senior advisor. Roger first began working for Senator Warren on her 2012 Senate campaign and became one of the first Asian Americans to manage a presidential campaign during her 2020 bid. Prior to his time with Senator Warren, Roger served in many roles on John Kerry’s senate staff and campaigns. Roger has managed campaigns for several Senate and House congressional races in New England and also served in the Commerce Department during the Obama administration.
Damon Ngo, Coalitions Associate
Damon supports community-specific outreach. He is a recent graduate from the University of Utah, where he served as the Senate Chair and Assembly Treasurer of the Associated Students of the University of Utah. During his time in school, he also worked with Salt Lake County on opening new resource centers to serve those experiencing houselessness as well as assisted small businesses in applying for federal COVID-19 relief grants.
Eric Salcedo, AAPI Coalitions Director
Eric previously worked as the Midwest Regional Coalitions Director for Biden for President. Afterwards, he served as the Agency Engagement Liaison on the EPA Agency Review Team for the Biden-Harris Transition. Prior to 2020, Eric was the National Field Director at APIAVote, a national nonpartisan organization that promotes the civic and electoral engagement of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. He had also served as the Community Outreach Director at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Michelle Villegas Tapia, Latino Coalitions Director
Michelle is a Latina, first-generation immigrant, and always an organizer. Before joining the team at the DNC, she worked at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, an advocacy organization that represents domestic workers, women of color, and immigrants. She is an alum of Hillary for America, Organizing for America, and Warren for President, where she served as Senator Warren’s NV political director.
Democrats Care
The DNC Organizing Team will be launching a "Summer of Service," inspired by Dems Care. Across the country, we will be hosting a series of service-oriented events and activities for our DNC grassroots supporters and Biden-Harris volunteers. Learn more about the Weekend of Action in June. Feel free to encourage local activists and grassroots supporters to participate.
