News + Opinion

By Jennie L. Ilustre Asian Americans continue to be the nation’s fastest-growing minority population. At 20.5 million, they represent 6% of the total U.S. population. With immigration and rising birth rates, the U.S. Census projects they will reach 25.7 million by next year. Uniquely diverse (they represent 40 countries of origin), Asian Americans will outnumber Hispanic Americans by 2055, according …

By Jennie L. Illustre   “Crazy Rich Asians” has struck pure gold at the box-office, locally and internationally. Critics also loved it, making it the rare movie that is both a commercial and a critical success. With the film’s huge success, can a sequel be far behind? “China Rich Girlfriend,” the second book in the best-selling trilogy, is already in …

Ambassador Navtej Sarna announces grand plans to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, August 20, 2018 – The 72nd independence day of India was celebrated in the US with the most significant function held at the Embassy Residence in the nation’s capital. Ambassador Navtej Sarna hoisted the tricolor as over 300 guests clad …

By Jennie L. Ilustre This is definitely the Year of the Women Candidates. Three Asian American candidates won in the June 26 primaries, joining a growing number of victorious women in national and local races for the November 6 midterm elections. Two of them also joined the record number of first-time women candidates. Maryland candidate for State Delegate Lily Qi and Gina …

At ‘Families Belong Together’ rallies, activists demand reunification of families, ending inhumane detentions, abolishing ICE By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, July 2, 2018 – Moral outrage against President Donald Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy reached a fever pitch Saturday as people fought back flocking to ‘Families Belong Together’ rallies, peaceful protests held from coast-to-coast. Clad in white, pumping their fists in the air, …

Diverse crowd embraces ancient Indian discipline for health and harmony By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, June 18, 2018 – The fourth International Day of Yoga drew a large and diverse crowd to the nation’s capital on a sunny and warm Saturday morning in late Spring. It was a stunning sight to behold some 2,000 yoga aficionados practicing an ancient Indian discipline against the awe-inspiring …

By Jennie L. Ilustre What do swing states California, Nevada, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and Georgia have in common? Answer: They all have a growing number of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters. AAPI voters make up 4% of the nation’s electorate. But as the fastest-growing ethnic group, AAPIs have also grown as a voting population in states that could determine …

 Jennie L. Ilustre Two Asian Americans running for the US Congress scored impressive victories in the recent California primary and Texas runoff. The next primary with several Asian Americans as candidates takes place in Maryland on June 26. Korean American Young Kim (R) won the most votes among nearly 20 candidates in the June 5 primary for California’s 39th congressional District. Kim …

By Jennie L. Ilustre The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) is waging a nationwide campaign in the 115th U.S. Congress to protect recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Approximately 800,000 recipients, including 16,000 Asian Americans, face deportation if DACA is eventually phased out. “NCAPA and its 34 coalition members are actively lobbying members of Congress …

Head of Isha Foundation speaks on progressing from personal ambition to vision for the greater good   By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, May 1, 2018 – Sadhguru, an Indian yogi, mystic, visionary, best-selling author with millions of followers around the globe delivered an inspiring talk, ‘Ambition to Vision’, motivating an attentive audience on Capitol Hill to seek the greater good. …

By Jennie L. Ilustre The biggest Asian American national conference on civil and social justice took place at the nation’s capital recently. It ended with calls for stepped-up efforts on top concerns: the citizenship question in the 2020 Census, immigration, voting rights and the 2018 midterm elections, and health care. The forum attracted over 600 Asian American leaders and advocacy …

By Jennie L. Ilustre May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time for celebration! Across the country, festivals will showcase a rich, diverse culture. Programs will honor Asian American achievers who contribute to the nation’s progress. This year is different, however.  Advocacy organizations are sounding an urgent call to show a united front on Asian American concerns. They have …

Dhruv awarded grand prize of 100,000 dollars, spot in next edition of Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions By Geeta Goindi Culver City, California, April 25, 2018 — Indian-American teen Dhruv Gaur has won the Jeopardy! 2018 College Championship clinching the grand prize of 100,000 dollars and earning a spot in the next edition of the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions. Gaur, a freshman at …

Renowned spiritual leader leads dialogue on Combating Religious Extremism and Terror at Atlantic Council By Geeta Goindi   Washington, DC, April 22, 2018 – Leading a dialogue on combating fanaticism, world renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stressed the importance of imparting lessons in non-violence to youth and introducing a multi-cultural, multi-religious curriculum in educational institutions.   …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Lily Qi is running for an open seat in Maryland’s 15th district. It’s about time, too. She has a sterling track record of public servicein appointive positions in community building and economic development. In 2016, she made history as the first Asian American appointed Assistant Chief Administrative Officer on economic and workforce matters in Montgomery County. Recently, The Daily …

Anna Chennault, the legendary figure in U.S.-China relations, has passed away at the age of 94, in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Chennault, the widow of United States General Claire Lee Chennault of the “Flying Tigers” fame, was a long-time member of the Committee of 100 (C100) and an active participant in C100 functions. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for “International Cooperation” by …

SEATTLE –The Robert Chinn Foundation announced today the 2018 class of inductees to the Asian Hall of Fame. The four new inductees include: Kourtney Kang, writer and producer of TV’s Fresh Off the Boat and How I Met Your Mother; Kevin Kwan, best-selling author of Crazy Rich Asians; Melissa Lee, host of Fast Money on CNBC; and Roy Yamaguchi, Chef/Founder of Roy’s, …

By Jennie L. Ilustre   The nation celebrates March as National Women’s History Month, in tandem with International Women’s Day, honoring achievers with awards. And then there is the unexpected tribute with a touch of whimsy. One could almost picture APIAVote Executive Director Christine Chen smiling as she welcomed a nice surprise: “Barbie released new dolls that include Olympic Gold …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Welcome to the Lunar New Year!  Although it is also known as the Chinese New Year, it is actually celebrated with great joy all over the world. In the national capital region, D.C., as well as Virginia and Maryland counties, have joined the Asian American communities in festivities galore during the weekend of February 16, the …

By Jennie L. Ilustre Immigration, including the fate of some 750,000 Dreamers who entered the U.S. as undocumented children or minors, the healthcare law, voting rights, the midterm elections in November, and the 2020 Census top this year’s concerns among Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), according to major advocacy leaders.   “These are Mainstream issues as well, because they affect all …

   By Jennie L. Ilustre   Asian American women joining the Women’s March, running for public office and posting historic wins, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigration issues in general, and the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Filipino and Filipino American World War II Veterans – these were among the top news in 2017 affecting Asian Americans, …

The Committee of 100 (C100) is saddened by the sudden passing of San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee due to cardiac arrest. According to a statement made by the Mayor’s office, Lee passed away early Tuesday, December 12, just after 1 a.m. at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Mayor Lee was 65.   Mr. Lee was one of six children born to Chinese immigrant parents who came to …

By Jennie L. Ilustre   Only in America can dreams like this come true. Kathy Tran came to the U.S. as a Vietnam refugee when she was less than two years old. Kelly Convirs-Fowler was the first in her family to graduate from college. Last November 7, these inspiring women made history when they were both elected to the Virginia …

Twenty-three US lawmakers and three envoys address attendees in Senate office building By Geeta Goindi Washington, DC, November 9, 2017 – Some two dozen US lawmakers, joined by three ambassadors, graced the fourth Diwali celebration in the historic Kennedy Caucus Room of the US Senate. Looking on were about 400 guests, mostly members of the Indian-American community and some Congressional …