Presidential Town Hall Highlights AANHPI Voices and Issues

Philadelphia, PA – On July 20th, the Asian American organization APIAVote hosted a notable Presidential Town Hall that underscored the growing influence and voices of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The event, attended by around 1,200 in-person participants and streamed live on platforms like Fox and PBS, featured a broad array of speakers from the political and community spheres.

Keynote Speakers:

• Vice President Kamala Harris urged attendees to exercise their democratic rights, stating, “Our last line of defense is the ballot box. Your vote, your voice. So today, I ask the leaders here, are you ready to make your voices heard? Do we believe in freedom? Do we believe in opportunity? Do we believe in the promise of America? And are we ready to fight for it?

• Congresswoman Judy Chu emphasized the importance of voter engagement: “I urge you all to remain engaged. Cast your vote and ensure your voices are heard at the ballot box this November.”
• Congressman Ted Lieu highlighted the significant impact of the AANHPI vote in past elections: “In the last presidential election, there were more voters from the AANHPI community in swing states than there were in the margin of victory.”
• Congresswoman Jill Tokuda called for accountability from candidates: “For any candidate that you would put your effort behind, make sure they see you and recognize the individuality and importance of who you are.”
• Congresswoman Mazie Hirono encouraged personal commitment: “One person can make a difference. We need to make that commitment now in the most consequential election of our time.”
• Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmed stressed the need for accountability: “This is about holding our candidates and campaigns accountable to our communities.”

Community Voices:

• Duy Nguyen, VP & CEO of the Asian Community Development Council, spoke about inclusive advocacy: “We need to continue to advocate for not just certain parts of our community, but all of our community.”
• Kuhio Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, addressed the strategic evolution of AANHPI organizing: “Our voices have gotten louder. We continue to push for change and justice.”
• Taffy Maene-Johnson, Executive Director of the United Territories of Pacific Islander Alliance, highlighted the need for equitable healthcare: “It’s vital that healthcare providers receive cultural competency training to address the unique challenges faced by our community.”

The town hall served as a platform for AANHPI community leaders and advocates to discuss pressing issues such as reproductive health, Medicare and Medicaid access, support for small businesses, and racial inequities. It also showcased the accomplishments of the community and emphasized the importance of AANHPI participation in the upcoming elections.

The event highlighted the growing political engagement and influence of AANHPI communities, showcasing a united front in advocating for their needs and rights within the broader electoral and political landscape.