Archive for the ‘Announcements’ Category

WASHINGTON – The Asian American Center for Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) – composed of Asian American Institute, Asian American Justice Center, Asian Law Caucus and Asian Pacific American Legal Center – applauds President Barack Obama’s support of marriage equality for all couples, whether same-sex, different-sex, or transgender.

“President Obama’s support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in his commitment to his family and all families in America,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center. “We are thrilled that the president has helped to move the nation forward to a more fair and equitable society for everyone.”

Strong advocates of equality and justice for all, Advancing Justice was instrumental in last year’s repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;  passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)-inclusive law; and fighting against California’s Proposition 8 that violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

“No American should be prevented from the basic civil and human right to marry due to their sexual orientation,” said Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. “The president’s affirmation is a major step forward for marriage equality for all regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”

Advancing Justice will continue to urge legislators to join the president, vice president and others to support full marriage equality for all.

###

The Asian American Institute (www.aaichicago.org) is one of the leading pan-Asian nonprofit organizations in the Midwest, dedicated to empowering the Asian American community through advocacy, by utilizing research, education, and coalition-building. The Asian American Institute, Asian American Justice Center, Asian Law Caucus, and Asian Pacific American Legal Center are members of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice.

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have helped make America what it is today. Their histories recall bitter hardships and proud accomplishments — from the laborers who connected our coasts one-and-a-half centuries ago, to the patriots who fought overseas while their families were interned at home, from those who endured the harsh conditions of Angel Island, to the innovators and entrepreneurs who are driving our Nation’s economic growth in Silicon Valley and beyond. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to celebrate the vast contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our Nation, reflect on the challenges still faced by AAPI communities, and recommit to making the American dream a reality for all.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their myriad achievements embody the American experience. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have started businesses, including some of our Nation’s most successful and dynamic enterprises. AAPI men and women are leaders in every aspect of American life — in government and industry, science and medicine, the arts and our Armed Forces, education and sports.

Yet, while we celebrate these successes, we must remember that too often Asian American and Pacific Islanders face significant adversity. Many AAPI communities continue to fight prejudice and struggle to overcome disparities in education, employment, housing, and health care. My Administration remains committed to addressing these unique challenges. Through the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we are working to expand opportunities for AAPI communities by improving access to Federal programs where Asian American and Pacific Islanders are currently underserved. To learn more about the Initiative, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/AAPI.

As we also take this occasion to reflect on our past, we mark 70 years since the Executive Order that authorized the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Last month, I announced my intent to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the country’s highest civilian honor — to Gordon Hirabayashi, who openly defied this forced relocation, and bravely took his challenge all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

This year, we also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese cherry blossom trees planted in Washington, D.C., an enduring symbol of the friendship shared between the United States and Japan and a reminder of America’s standing as a Pacific nation. Over the centuries, we have maintained a long, rich history of engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, and our AAPI communities have been essential to strengthening the economic, political, and social bonds we share with our partners around the world.

This month, we reflect on the indelible ways AAPI communities have shaped our national life. As we celebrate centuries of trial and triumph, let us rededicate ourselves to making our Nation a place that welcomes the contributions of all people, all colors, and all creeds, and ensures the American dream is within reach for all who seek it.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2012 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to visit www.AsianPacificHeritage.gov to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

ASIA has a new resource under the General Health section of our Health Care & Health Policy resource page!  Did you know that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, along with other foreign-born Americans, are at higher risk for chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to liver failure and liver cancer?  Read up on Hepatitis B: What Asian and Pacific Islander Americans Need to Know.

We give a lot of attention to knowing where our food comes from, but do we give as much thought to how it gets to us?  “Check, Please!” is a report by the Chinese Progressive Association that documents the health and working conditions in San Francisco Chinatown Restaurants.  The report reveals that many restaurant workers experience numerous labor violations and poor working condition.  It also highlights CPA’s work to bring about a healthier food system and healthier communities.  Click here for the full report.

University Park Alliance of Akron, OH invites residents of the University Park community to register for the University Park Neighborhood Summit on June 16, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Quaker Station.  Free childcare and lunch will be provided.  Click here for full details.

Click here to register online.  Click here for the paper registration form.

What is the Purpose of the University Park Neighborhood Summit?
The summit is an opportunity for residents and the faith, social service and business community within the University Park community to:

1. Celebrate the accomplishments & leadership of the Neighborhood Network
2. Establish next steps on the Neighborhood Network’s housing strategy
3. Set Neighborhood Network priorities for the coming year
4. Introduce the Neighborhood Network to UPA’s Board of Directors and Anchor Institutions

Who Will Participate?
Residents and members of the faith, social service and business community within the University Park footprint will be the active participants in the meeting. UPA Board Members and Anchor Institutions, elected and government officials will also be invited as observers. Their representatives will respond to Neighborhood Network priorities during the day.