Written by: Hanna Chea and Liana Liang
Here’s a recap of the exciting events that took place:
RUBY TABLE
As a precursor to AAPI Heritage Month, AJSOCAL and Cassia’s LA Chefs for Human Rights(LACHR) hosted a multi-course Ruby Table Dinner at the Cassia restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. It was an evening dedicated to social justice as a salute to the 2023 Ruby Table Hero award recipients– journalist Lisa Ling and actor Daniel Wu. The benefit dinner celebrated Asian American culinary excellence and raised critical funds for AJSOCAL as we enter our 40th anniversary this year.
See photos and a video recap of the Ruby Table Dinner here.
Biting the Hand Book Launch
AJSOCAL kicked off May by hosting a book launch for Biting the Hand, written by Author Julia Lee. Following the book reading, AJSOCAL presented its current policy agenda: Combatting Asian Invisibility (learn more about it below). DJ Jason Domantay dropped beats, and the crowd mingled while enjoying tacos from the Kogi Truck, with all proceeds from the truck donated to AJSOCAL.
Learn more about Biting the Hand or purchase it here.
A Community Dance
It was a day of celebration and commemoration. AJSOCAL partnered with Brandon Tsay, the Lunar New Year hero who disarmed a mass shooter at his family’s dance studio, and the Tsay family to host “A Community Dance” at the Lai Lai Ballroom in Alhambra, CA. The free afternoon of dancing included a comedy show, multiple performances, food, and music that highlights the pride, strength and resilience of the AAPI community.
Prior to the dance, AJSOCAL’s Citizenship Project and Bank of America collaborated in hosting an in-person citizenship clinic where they assisted over 30 clients at the Monterey Bruggumeyer Library.
See photos and read more about A Community Dance here.
Foster Care Hero of the Month
AJSOCAL’s incredible CEO, Connie Chung Joe, was recognized as May’s Foster Care Hero of the Month by United Friends of the Children. This prestigious acknowledgment highlighted her outstanding contributions and dedication to ensuring that AAPI foster youth maintained a connection to their heritage throughout their experiences in the child welfare system.
Read more about Connie’s recognition here.
Combatting Asian Invisibility Day Celebration
Up in Sacramento, we celebrated AAPI heritage month with our legislators and staff, as we highlighted the theme of our policy package, Combatting Asian Invisibility. On the same day, Assemblymember Mike Fong introduced a resolution, HR 41, declaring May 17th as Combatting Asian Invisibility Day, showing the CA Assembly’s desire to fighting for language accessibility and data equity for a stronger California.
Join us in urging policy makers to see our communities, sign the pledge here.
Community Events
AJSOCAL had the pleasure of taking part in a variety of events held throughout AAPIHM. Whether it be speaking engagements, rallies or tabling opportunities, our staff showed up and stood proud at the following:
May Day March, Safety Workshop, Next Gen Expo, South Pasadena Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration, LA vs. Hate LA Galaxy AAPI Heritage Game, LA County AAPI Month Celebration, Pasifika Student Celebration and Career Fair in Long Beach, Honor Your Feelings Fest, 2023 Monterey Park Mental Health Resource Fair, and Yoga and Wellness Day.
Looking Ahead
Up at the Capitol, we’re continuing to combat Asian invisibility by advocating for language accessibility and data equity. Join us in urging policy makers to see our communities, sign the pledge here.
There is also more to come for AJSOCAL’s 40th anniversary celebration. July 20 will be a day of service for volunteers in Los Angeles and Orange County to help assemble care and safety kits that will be distributed to AAPIs throughout the year. To participate, pre-register as an AJSOCAL Movement Builder. More info is at www.ajsocal.org/movement-builders/
October 12 will be the culmination of the anniversary year. The 40th annual gala celebration at the Vibiana in Downtown LA will bring together hundreds of leaders of industry, social justice, entertainment, arts, and culture. This has been a cornerstone event in the AAPI community for decades. By-invitation only, the gala is now accepting sponsorships at https://ajsocal.org/40forward-moments-to-movement/
Learn more about our 40th Anniversary and how to get involved here.
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About Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
AJSOCAL is celebrating its 40th anniversary throughout the year of 2023 with a series of events that gather the community, amplify the forces of good and propel the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) movement forward. The anniversary builds upon the milestones of social justice that unified Asian Americans upon AJSOCAL’s founding in 1983. The non-profit is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for AAPI. AJSOCAL serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year. Through direct services, impact litigation and policy advocacy AJSOCAL focuses on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice. More info is at AJSOCAL.org
