Defending Our Democracy: The Crucial Role of the AANHPI Vote in the 2024 Election

Defending Our Democracy:

The Crucial Role of the AANHPI Vote

in the 2024 Election

Welcome

Mary Cathryn Ricker

Executive Director Albert Shanker Institute

Opening Remarks

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA 28)

Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus 

Evelyn DeJesus

Executive Vice President, AFT

Board Member, Albert Shanker Institute

Panel Discussion

Jessica Tang

President, AFT Massachusetts; Co-Chair, AFT AAPI Task Force;

Vice President, AFT; Board Member, Albert Shanker Institute

Christine Chen

Executive Director, AAPI Votes 

Kent Wong
Project Director for Labor and Community Partnerships, UCLA Labor Center; Member, AFT AAPI Task Force; Vice President, California Federation of Teachers; Founding President, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have been active participants in democracy and their stories and contributions are both part of American history and current American life. In celebration of AANHPI month, this panel explored the historical context and current trends of AANHPI democratic participation, including voter engagement, highlighting the diverse perspectives and experiences within the community on electoral outcomes, both nationally and in key communities and battleground states. The panel also discussed real solutions to the key issues that resonate with AANHPI voters, ranging from education and healthcare to immigration and economic justice.