RELEASE: AAPI Victory Alliance Applauds President Biden for Establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

Washington, DC -- Today, President Joe Biden announced the establishment of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). 

Led by Krystal Ka’ai, the new initiative will ensure that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have a seat at the table, along with the ability to advocate for our communities and fight back against the hate and violence that we’ve seen across the board recently. 

In February, AAPI Victory Alliance urged President Biden to reestablish the Initiative and elevate it within the White House.

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:

“The AAPI Victory Alliance applauds President Joe Biden for establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This initiative is the first step towards harnessing our AAPI growth and power and allows our communities to have a seat at the table with the issues that matter most to us. From stopping AAPI hate, to ensuring an equitable COVID-19 recovery, to harnessing our growing influence and power in our electoral systems, the time for AAPIs to have a seat at the table has never been more crucial. We commend President Joe Biden for recognizing our communities and installing this initiative. 

“We also congratulate our longtime partner Krystal Ka’ai on her appointment as the Initiative’s Executive Director. Krystal is a dynamic and committed leader who will consistently advocate for our communities. Krystal has a long track record on Capital Hill and advocacy for AAPI communities and will be essential in moving the Initiative to a more prominent level.  We look forward to working alongside her and ensuring that our AAPI communities are getting the help and support we need. 

“AAPIs are rising. There has never been a better time to be AAPI. Together we will turn pain into power and continue to raise our profile. AAPIs will no longer be invisible. We are here to stay and we will advocate and advance our agenda to ensure that our communities have the fundamental opportunity to live the American dream. Our work continues today.”