STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, And Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023

WASHINGTON—Today, AAPI Victory Alliance celebrates the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

On behalf of AAPI Victory Alliance, Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:

“Today and everyday we recognize the many contributions that generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to this nation—honoring the sacrifices and accomplishments of AAPI trailblazers and celebrating the vibrant diversity of our communities.

“Asian American influence is visible in all facets of American life where we have demonstrated excellence in the arts, politics, business, and more. As the country’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic group, we are also the most diverse — speaking over 100 languages and representing over 50 ethnic groups from over 20 countries. Our history is vast, our communities diverse, and our achievements are many.

“During AAPI Heritage Month, we also reflect on our resilience as a people—a trait woven into the fabric of our being. As Asian Americans, our journeys have never been easy—but our communities have always been strong. Today, as we fight the surge in anti-Asian hate and the rise of gun violence impacting our AAPI communities, we stand firm at the forefront of social change, pushing our country to be a more inclusive and representative place.

“At AAPI Victory Alliance, we remain steadfast in our efforts to create and advocate for policies that affect our communities and help AAPIs exert their power at every level of government. As AAPIs, we helped build the table—and we won’t stop fighting until we have a seat at it.”

###

AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels.

Liz Lee