AAPI Women Photo credits to respective owners In observance of Women’s History Month, we spotlight the remarkable contributions of Asian American women in the media — a sector where they’ve not only provided depth and diversity but also championed the narratives of underrepresented communities. These trailblazers exemplify the values that Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC holds dear: striving for a fair and equitable society, rooted in the dreams of immigrants and the promise of opportunity. Connie Chung Photo Credit: Connie Chung Connie Chung, an icon in the realm of broadcast jou ..read more

Census By Louise Liu and Amia Jackson A basement apartment in New York City flooding due to Hurricane Ida. Credit: Spencer Platt / Getty Images Seonae Byeon, a civil rights organizer and Korean immigrant from Flushing, Queens, says she knows many individuals in New York City’s Asian American community who live in basements and attics, or share a single bedroom with two or three others. Individuals in these non-traditional housing arrangements often end up miscounted in the census, which can have significant effects on community support and funding allocations — concerns particularly ..read more

Technology & Telecommunications Act now to preserve the Affordability Connectivity Program By Nicole Morgenstern On Monday, March 4th the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is at risk of closing. Without immediate action and funding from Congress, the FCC can only fully fund the program through April 30, 2024. Established in 2021 as a part of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, the Affordable Connectivity Program ensures the affordability and accessibility of internet service for low-income households. Through the ACP, eligib ..read more

Allyship is a continuous journey towards justice and equality By Naeema Hasan As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we are granted a profound opportunity to honor and reflect upon the immeasurable contributions of the African American community. This month allows us to fully acknowledge the brilliance, creativity, and resilient spirit of African Americans and how they have played an enduring role in driving American history towards progress and justice. Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is recommitting to learning from the past and supporting the ongoing strug ..read more

Immigration By Rebecca Ma and Daniel Tse Buoy barriers with blades in the Rio Grande. ©Brandon Bell/Getty Images Headline after headline we’re told that there’s a crisis at the U.S. southern border — and there is. But it’s not a crisis of national security; it’s a crisis of humanity. As of this year, 110 million people have been forcibly displaced — more people than ever before. Yet the wealthiest countries in the world — such as the United States, whose foreign interventions and policies have played a significant role in global conflicts displacing people — continue to take in the fewest ..read more

Anti-Hate Anti-Asian Hate Crime Numbers Fell For the First Time Since COVID-19, But Remain Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels Diminished attention on COVID-19, fewer instances of inflammatory rhetoric from politicians, and reporting fatigue may have contributed to the 33% decrease By Louise Liu Anti-Asian hate crime numbers fell by 33% from 2021 to 2022, indicating the first decrease in anti-Asian hate since the start of the pandemic, according to recently released FBI crime statistics. As the global pandemic recedes, diminished attention on COVID-19, along with less opportunity to sca ..read more

Immigration By Rebecca Ma, with contributions by Naeema Hassan As the holiday season approaches, a time synonymous with social gatherings and cherished memories, it’s crucial to remember that families are the backbone of any society. In America, they play a pivotal role in shaping our communities, culture, and economy. However, for millions of families, the joy of being together during the holidays is overshadowed by immigration backlogs and bureaucratic challenges that prevent them from reuniting with their loved ones. Understanding Family Immigration Family immigration, a pat ..read more

American Courage Awards The 2023 American Courage Award Honoree has left an indelible mark on the fight for justice At the heart of our annual American Courage Awards event is the American Courage Award itself. Every year, the award honors an individual, organization, or company that has displayed remarkable courage or dedication to civil rights. Honorees might be a community leader who has taken an important stand, an activist who overcame extraordinary challenges, an artist with a unique vision, or a journalist breaking a crucial story. More than anything, this award recognizes th ..read more

American Courage Awards The 2023 Norman Y. Mineta Spirt Award Honoree is a shining example of young civil rights leadership As we count down the days until Asian Americans Advancing Justice — AAJC’s annual American Courage Awards event on October 6, 2023, we take a moment to highlight each of our honorees. The occasion pays tribute to the individuals, groups, and corporations who have pioneered significant civil rights progress. Among the awards presented, the Norman Y. Mineta Spirit Award is a shining commendation of young advocates who epitomize unwavering dedication, boundless compass ..read more

American Courage Awards The 2023 Changemaker Award honoree is a storyteller, trailblazer, and social justice champion In a few short weeks on October 6th, Asian Americans Advancing Justice — AAJC will hold its American Courage Awards. This annual gathering is our tribute to the trailblazers — individuals, groups, and corporations — who have made significant inroads in advancing civil rights. Our Changemaker Award, presented during the event, is an accolade reserved for those who not only inspire but also initiate tangible change, driving positive shifts that ripple through communiti ..read more