MILWAUKEE, WIS. – Tonight, California Senator Kamala Harris received the Democratic Party’s nomination to be the first Asian American Vice President of the United States. This historic moment is the culmination of generations of political activism in both the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black communities.
Bel Leong-Hong, chair of the DNC’s AAPI Caucus issued the following statement on the ground breaking nomination:
“Kamala Harris is a groundbreaker in so many ways, but it is her place in history as the first African-American and AAPI candidate to reach such political heights that resonates deeply in our hearts. I’ve long said—including to Kamala herself—that in all these years of organizing and engagement, my dream was to see an AAPI on the Presidential ticket in my lifetime. Tonight is a night of celebration, for me and for AAPIs everywhere—confirming, once and for all, our place at the tables where our collective fortunes are determined.”
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Biden issued the following statement on Harris’s historic nomination:
“Our AAPI community is excited to elect Kamala Harris as Vice President and Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. Over the last decade, there has been a surge in AAPI political leadership and participation. We are excited to continue to engage AAPIs from across the country in order to elect the Biden-Harris ticket.
“Tonight’s historic nomination of Kamala Harris to be Vice President of the United States makes her the first-ever Asian American to be selected for that role.
“Alongside Joe Biden, Kamala Harris is the leader we need to ensure that women, and Americans of all races and ethnicities matter. Over the years, Harris has championed policies and programs to improve the lives of AAPIs across the country. We look forward to a Biden-Harris administration that will continue to elevate our issues and lived experiences.”
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Maryland Delegate Bianca Shah said, “To me, Kamala Harris restores hope that the “American Dream” that my grandparents immigrated here for can be achieved by an Asian-American woman. To see her nominated for one of the highest levels of office reminds me that even if it is not every day I see representation of my identity and culture in politics, news, and media – it is possible and a change is coming to elevate the voices of Asian Americans. She serves as an inspiration and role model for me and so many others, and motivates me everyday to continue working my hardest to get the Biden/Harris ticket elected.”
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Texas Delegate Francine Ly said, “As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed and protected a woman’s right to vote, I’m so thrilled that this cycle we had not just one but multiple AAPI run for President. To see one has made it to the final ballot is a huge step for our AAPI communities, to show we do have an important seat at the table.
I am going to do my part to help Kamala Harris, become the first Asian American, and a woman of any race or ethnicity to be Vice-President in US history. I am ready for the proverbial bamboo roof to be removed and let natural light shine in on the possibilities for future female leadership roles in all areas.
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North Carolina Delegate Grace Galloway said, “As a Chinese-Indonesian, first generation born in America, I never thought I would see the hatred and the violence that has penetrated our souls these past 3 1/2 years. Senator Harris embodies and personifies the strength of AAPi’s character, the promise and dedication of a better life for our children and grandchildren. She will bring to the office of Vice President all of our hopes, our stories, our ambitions, our love of this country. She does and will represent all of us every single day of her life. I am convinced of this.
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Chris Lu, former Deputy Secretary of Labor in the Obama Administration said, “The nomination of Kamala Harris is a historic moment for America. Senator Harris has the right experience and judgment for this role, and she will be an invaluable partner to Joe Biden in creating a more fair and just society where everybody has a chance at success.”
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Doua Thor, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders said, “When I see Kamala I see what’s possible for all the little girls who – like me – have dreams of supporting the growth of this country. As a woman of color and immigrant, we have contributions to make and our time is now! We must vote Biden-Harris!”
