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Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Blog

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Coming together to honor AAPI Military Members and Veterans

Giving a voice to communities all across America has been a hallmark of President Obama’s Administration.
January 9, 2017 at 9:13 AM ET by Ravi Chaudhary

20 Years After the Human Trafficking Case in El Monte, California that Freed 72 Thai Workers

“I was shocked to see slavery still existed 130 years after the passage of the 13th Amendment.”
December 12, 2016 at 5:45 PM ET by Paul Chang, U.S. Department of Labor

Celebrating Filipino American History Month at the White House

Filipino Americans have much to celebrate from the Obama Administration’s efforts over the past 8 years
November 23, 2016 at 2:18 PM ET by Billy Dec and Justin Trinidad

Engaging the Public and Improving Efforts to Understand Data on the AAPI Community

ELEVATE: AAPI Data Challenge and Convening
October 20, 2016 at 12:57 PM ET by Akil Vohra, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, housed in the Department of Education.

Validating My Seat at the Table

“We as students, and people of marginalized communities, belong at the table.”
October 5, 2016 at 11:38 AM ET by Benedicto Llave, Intern, White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Honoring Filipino WWII Veterans this Filipino American History Month

Since 1587, Filipino American history has been deeply intertwined with American history.
October 3, 2016 at 11:02 AM ET by Billy Dec, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Highlighting Bullying Prevention Efforts for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

The AAPI Task Force released a report to highlight its work to capture the experiences of AAPI community members and share recommendations to address bullying.
August 12, 2016 at 12:44 PM ET by Doua Thor, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Announcing the Regional Network Leads Program

The White House Initiative on AAPI announces the Regional Network Leads Program to establish a formal leadership structure for regional engagement
August 3, 2016 at 12:15 PM ET by Courtney Chappell

Engaging Business & Philanthropic Leaders: Working Across Sectors in Seattle to Promote Integration

Last Friday, the White House Task Force on New Americans hosted its tenth and final Regional Convening in Seattle, Washington.
June 16, 2016 at 6:56 PM ET by Courtney Chappell, Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs

Educating, Engaging, and Empowering Young Leaders Around Civic Engagement and Public Service

E3! Ambassador Esther Yu-Hsi Lee discusses efforts to educate, engage, and empower communities at the White House AAPI Young Leaders Briefing
June 9, 2016 at 11:56 AM ET by Esther Yu Hsi Lee

The Inaugural AAPI Business Summit: Inclusive Innovation Drives Economic Growth

Albert Shen reflects on the Inaugural AAPI Business Summit
June 6, 2016 at 3:26 PM ET by Albert K. Shen, MBDA National Deputy Director

Celebrating the Breadth of Stories and Experiences During AAPI Heritage Month

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Executive Director Doua Thor reflects on the events of AAPI Heritage Month
June 1, 2016 at 2:54 PM ET by Doua Thor

#CrossLines: It's our lives. It's our work. It's who we are.

CrossLines will cap off Heritage Month, continuing the rich tradition of recognizing and celebrating the AAPI experience.
April 26, 2016 at 1:58 PM ET by Jeanny Kim, Acting Director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

#MyAAPIStory: Sharing the Diverse Stories of the AAPI Community

We’re working with StoryCorps to document and share Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) stories.
April 20, 2016 at 4:36 PM ET by Alissa Ko

Building a Vision for Shared Prosperity for New Americans in Silicon Valley

In partnership with the City of San José, we hosted the 5th White House Regional Convening on New Americans to discuss how everyone can thrive in Silicon Valley
April 6, 2016 at 12:24 PM ET by The White House Initiative on AAPIs

Students Share College Completion Journeys

“If you feel like you belong, you can achieve anything.”
March 23, 2016 at 7:13 PM ET by Syeda Raza

Bhutanese Refugees Find Home in America

Bhutanese refugees share their stories and the positive impact citizenship has had on their lives.
March 11, 2016 at 2:52 PM ET by White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Celebrating Lunar New Year and a Year of Movement at the White House

The White House hosts its second annual Lunar New Year celebration.
February 23, 2016 at 11:53 AM ET by Bessie Chan

Nominate a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling

Nominate a White House Champion of Change who has highlighted the unique experiences of AAPIs and brought attention to the pressing issues facing this growing community
February 17, 2016 at 11:42 AM ET by Doua Thor

Year of the Monkey: President Obama Sends Best Wishes for the Lunar New Year

President Obama and the First Lady wish everyone happiness, prosperity, fortune, and good health as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Monkey.
February 8, 2016 at 12:42 PM ET by Dr. Tung Nguyen

Helping Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders #GetCovered by January 31

This week, the White House Initiative on AAPIs kicks of its third annual National AAPI ACA Week of Action to urge AAPIs and others to #GetCovered.
January 19, 2016 at 4:43 PM ET by Tina Tchen and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy

A Better America: Rejecting Bigotry and Reaffirming our Values

We must come together to reject bigotry, reaffirm our core values as Americans, and protect the rights that we fought so hard to achieve.
January 14, 2016 at 1:16 PM ET by Shekar Narasimhan

Our 10 Favorite Moments of 2015

Doua Thor reflects on the many milestones and moments for the White House Initiative on AAPIs in 2015
January 4, 2016 at 11:08 AM ET by Doua Thor

Seeking Peace, Security, and Home: Our Journeys as Refugees

Members of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs recall their journeys as refugees and applaud recent efforts to resettle Syrian refugees.
December 18, 2015 at 6:48 PM ET by Bo Thao-Urabe, Lian Cheun, and Dr. Tung Nguyen

Marking 15 Years of Improving Federal Access to the Limited English Proficient

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the landmark Executive Order 13166, and Doua Thor and Alejandra Ceja discuss the progress made over the past 15 years.
December 18, 2015 at 10:20 AM ET by Doua Thor and Alejandra Ceja

The Regional Network: Bringing the Federal Government to Every Corner of the Country

Courtney Chappell reflects on the successes of the AAPI Regional Network this year.
December 11, 2015 at 12:07 PM ET by Courtney Chappell

Engaging Artists, Community Leaders, and Youth to #ActToChange Against Bullying in Los Angeles

Maulik Pancholy reflects on the #ActToChange Live Event in Los Angeles
December 4, 2015 at 2:34 PM ET by Maulik Pancholy

Seeking Real Solutions and Welcoming Refugees

Executive Director Doua Thor tells her story of coming to the US as a young refugee from Laos.
November 25, 2015 at 2:24 PM ET by Doua Thor

Pacific Island Task Force Concludes After Successful Year of Collaboration and Accomplishment

Mary Okada discusses some of the highlights of the Pacific Island Task Force from the past year.
November 12, 2015 at 4:04 PM ET by Mary Okada

Diwali Greetings

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy sends his wishes for a happy Diwali to all who are celebrating.
November 11, 2015 at 9:50 AM ET by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy