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2021 US-Asia Institute AAPI Heritage Month Forum

The 2021 US-Asia Institute AAPI Heritage Month Forum took place on Wednesday, May 26 at 12:00-1:00 pm EDT in order to celebrate the AAPI community and discuss the path of progress made in light of the important issues that the community has and continues to face. Given the importance of the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the US-Asia Institute hosted this forum to bring together prominent AAPI leaders from various spaces to discuss the importance of AAPI history and current community issues, as well as the role that the community and the issues it faces play in American public policy.

In this panel, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Dr. Apichai Shipper, adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Georgetown University, and Christine Chen of APIA Vote discussed current issues facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Congresswoman Chu focused on her personal journey towards becoming the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress, the history of AAPI contributions to American history, and current legislation to address AAPI issues, particularly in the light of recent hate crimes targeted at AAPIs. Dr. Shipper focused on the ways that AAPIs at the State Department and those who hold dual-citizenship directly and indirectly impact US foreign policy, while Ms. Chen described the voting and political engagement trends of AAPIs, as well as key areas in national and local government where it is necessary to have more AAPI representation. Opening remarks were followed by a brief question and answer session moderated by Ben Wu, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

Speakers:

The Honorable Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

Christine Chen, Co-founder and Executive Director, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote

Dr. Apichai Shipper, Adjunct Professor, Asian Studies Program, Georgetown University, and Asia Regional Chair, Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State

Ben Wu, President and CEO, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

Earlier Event: May 25
The Strategic Importance of Mongolia: The Upcoming Election and Future of Engagement
Later Event: June 7
2021 China 101 Congressional Briefing Series

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