Michelle Moore, Bridge2Blue
On April 15, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community hosted a rally event supporting Virginia’s Vote YES redistricting campaign, featuring a strong lineup of political speakers, including ASPIRE PAC Chair U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA10), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA11), State Sen. Stella Pekarsky, and Virginia Delegates Irene Shin and Adele McClure. Speakers also included community leaders Kee Jun, chair of Korean Outreach of Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia (DAAV) and Becky Belcore with Hamkae Power, an Asian American immigrant, civil, and human rights organization. Sponsors included NAKASEC Action Fund, DAAV, Fairfax Democrats Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, and Fight for Fairness.
Speakers emphasized the high stakes of the Vote YES campaign, warning against a MAGA-driven power grab, and pointing to the day-to-day hardships many Americans face, from affording medication and medical care to coping with rising prices. Members of Congress raised concerns about attacks on voting-rights and immigrant communities and pledged their commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of everyone.
Representative Strickland, whose ASPIRE APC is dedicated to investing directly in the AANHPI community offering a voice for the AANHPI community and mobilizing the AANHPI vote, commented that “Asian Americans represent the fastest growing group of voters and are often the margin of victory in close races. And this is why it was so important for me with my colleagues to lead the rally to ensure that our community shows up and votes yes.”
Anika Rahman, Chair of DAAV, shared “it was truly inspiring to attend the AAPI community rally and stand alongside so many dedicated grassroots activists and community leaders. These volunteers have poured their time, energy, and heart into serving our communities, creating in-language resources, raising awareness, and ensuring our voices are heard. It was especially meaningful to see our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) elected officials take the time to join us, reaffirming how critical this moment is and the power of collective action. Their presence, alongside the strength of our community, is a powerful reminder that our voices matter, and that together, we can continue building a more informed, engaged, and empowered future.”
Kee Jun highlighted the values driving AAPI civic action, “over 50 years ago, my family came to the United States seeking opportunity, education, and a better future. Standing at King Spa beside the statue of Geneal Yi and the Turtle Ship reminded us that courage and perseverance shape history. The AAPI community believes in fairness, participation, and protecting democratic values so every voice is represented.”
Hamkae Power has reached out to 180,000 Asian American voters across Virginia to urge them to vote YES for redistricting. Becky Belcore captured the sentiment of the event: “we believe our elections must be fair, and voting YES will restore fairness and balance. Our government should focus on addressing issues that concern Asian Americans and all Americans, such as good jobs, affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare. Instead, the Trump administration is spending our taxpayer dollars on wars abroad and attacking our immigrant communities at home. Virginians must win this election for ourselves, our families, and our country!”
Well said!
