Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Reflections from CAUSE Executive Director

I’ve been working in Asian American communities for over 25 years. That means over 25 years of planning and attending Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month events across the country. Artist showcases and academic dialogues, celebrations and memorials, events that reflect our diverse communities during this time of increased attention nationwide. With so many events happening, I often curate my API Heritage Month activities based on how I feel in April. Current events and community happenings that influence what I want to learn and look for in May. 
 

This year, on April 9, 2023, The LA Times published an article entitled,“Far-right media outlet targets L.A.’s Asian business leaders. They’re fighting back.” The article mentioned leaders like Walter and Shirley Wang, philanthropists whose support of the community includes scholarships for students, nonprofit legal services, and storytelling through film, and Dominic Ng, Chairman/CEO of East West Bank who volunteers to serve as an advisor to the Biden Administration, sharing how America can benefit from doing business with Asian countries. 


These leaders, who supported efforts to help families impacted by COVID-19 through the Los Angeles Mayor’s Fund or volunteered their expertise through public service, were accused of un-American behavior. Instead of backing down or shying away from the attention, they continue to show strength and lead. 
 

This article made me think about who I was as a leader. Who are my mentors and role models? Who are the individuals I want to celebrate? 
 

This API Heritage Month, I decided to surround myself with people who inspired me. People like the leaders in this article. Leaders who were generous, shared their knowledge, and invested in positive community impact. Leaders who did not back down. Leaders who wanted to collaborate and challenge new leaders to take that next level role.

Here is a snapshot of the type of events I attended: 

Events that celebrated leaders who have led us for decades. 

Such as CAUSE founders who were recognized by elected leadership including: 

  • CAUSE Board Chair, Charlie Woo, honored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis 

  • Dr. Albert Young and and Daniel Fong, honored by the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Foundation Gala

(Left: Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis honoring Charlie Woo, CAUSE Founder and Board Chair. Right: All honorees honored at the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration)

(Photo Credits: APILC)

Events that celebrated Asian and Pacific Islander advocates who were learning and practicing skills, eager to step into leadership roles.  

  • CAUSE on Campus Graduation celebrating students that led voter education efforts at California State University Los Angeles

  • CAUSE Leadership Institute sessions focused on learning about network mapping and coalition building through CAUSE’s redistricting efforts

  • Introducing the 2023 CAUSE Leadership Academy cohort as they begin their journey with CAUSE.

  • CAUSE alumni now Los Angeles City Commissioners at the City of Los Angeles Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

(Left: CAUSE Leadership Institute Fellows group photo during their bi-weekly virtual sessions. Right Top: CAUSE on Campus interns presenting their civic engagement efforts. Right Bottom: CAUSE on Campus interns group photo after tabling at the CSULA campus)

(Left: CAUSE Leadership Network members John Tang, Dora Quach, Elnie Vannatim, Nancy Yap, Adam Ma, and Max Reyes. Right: CAUSE Leadership Institute Alum Kenneth Ahn, Hoang Nguyen, and Carmen Chang)

And, after 25 years, I continue to be reminded of the following: 


1. Representation and access matter.

  • Staying informed helps us see opportunities to advocate for representation and access. 

    • The California Multiethnic Statewide Poll will be released later this month, but for previous reports visit our website. 

    • Learn more about Los Angeles City Council Representation through a recently released report by UCLA Asian American Studies Center’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Policy Initiative about Asian American, Latino, Black and White Voters in Los Angeles City Elections and Fair Rep LA’s website with more details about the process of City Council Expansion. 

    • Also, register to vote and register others to vote!

  • Investing in your civic leadership journey through professional development and public service prepares you to step into those opportunities 

2. Leadership is hard. Remember to thank leaders for their continued energy in this fight. 

  • Thank you to leaders like Dominic Ng and Walter and Shirley Wang for not remaining silent and for continuing to lead and give back. 

  • Thank you to leaders like CAUSE’s board members who continue to support CAUSE’s work and advocate for Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

(Left: CAUSE Board Members Wen Hong and Ralph Barnes.
Right: CAUSE Board Members Adam Ma and Tammy Tran.)

3. Community starts with relationships. 

  • Time spent nurturing relationships builds stronger communities, communities that can move quickly together and create meaningful change. What starts with a hotpot dinner or a Suga concert, can lead to a lifelong friendship with endless possibilities.

(CAUSE on Campus 2023 Cohort celebrating the end of the program with hotpot)

After a month of strategic conversations and hotpot dinners, I want to thank everyone who is a friend, partner, and supporter of the work we do at CAUSE. CAUSE is only able to have an impact because you are with us.
 

“Who you choose to be around you lets you know who you are.” Han Lue

 

Thank you for showing us who we are.

Hope you enjoyed Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 

 

Sincerely,

Nancy Yap

Executive Director