logo
Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Are We Allowed To Say That Anymore?

Happy AANHPI Heritage Month! Are We Allowed To Say That Anymore?

Newsweek01-05-2025

For many, the month of May marks the undeniable moment where the cold of winter gives way to the warmth of spring. It is also Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. For decades, Republican and Democrats have recognized the month, and more importantly, the contributions of AANHPIs to the fabric of America—contributions that would not have been possible without America's embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Yet today, the acronym capturing these three words (DEI) has become a political lightning rod driving decisions like eliminating federal recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month.
People celebrate Chinese New Year in New York City's Chinatown.
People celebrate Chinese New Year in New York City's Chinatown.
Getty Images
In truth, the AANHPI community—a community that is almost 60 percent foreign born—has always found ways to honor our culture and contributions, regardless of the month. Yet, during this time meant for celebration, it is hard to find joy in the increasing costs of living, or an economy where small businesses are struggling with, tariffs are likely to deepen that pain. It is hard to find joy when families are being torn apart as loved ones are being unlawfully detained and deported. And finally, it is difficult to find joy when those who have benefited from inequity insist that advancing equity is divisive; or those who have enjoyed exclusive access oppose inclusion because it threatens their hold on power.
In some ways the AANHPI community is a microcosm of America. With East Asians, South Asians, Southeast Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, we are a community that is culturally and ethnically diverse, with as many similarities as differences. We have no shortage of historical baggage and tensions that create resistance, yet we still work to find ways to be connected and united. Like most Americans, we care about educational opportunities, access to quality health care, and the cost of housing. In fact, these are issues we believe the government should be prioritizing over settling political scores, starting trade wars with allies, or terrorizing legal immigrants and students.
While some of our country's leaders have declared AANHPI Heritage Month as somehow too controversial; and business leaders, as well as colleges and universities follow suit, rather than celebrate us, try listening to us.
For many AANHPIs, the message that has always been a whispered undertone throughout American history, that "we don't belong," has grown into a grievance-filled rallying cry that betrays a fundamental American truth: this country was founded by immigrants seeking to escape authoritarianism. This truth has served as a beacon of hope and the basis of the American Dream, even as we grapple with the discomfort of knowing our country's relationship with Native populations and communities of color has been deeply flawed.
This country's success has always come on the backs' of these communities (both literally and figuratively). Diminishing our accomplishments, qualifications, and contributions ultimately diminishes us all.
It is not racist to talk about racism. It is not racist to want to build a more perfect union that recognizes our greatest moments of collective growth occur when we embrace our diversity, rather than erase it. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not words we must strike from national discourse; rather they are ideals that should allow us to chart a path into the future.
Perhaps, it is easier, more expedient, and ultimately more comfortable to ignore how deeply rooted racism is in America. Perhaps, blaming those who are living and fighting it every day is more convenient, but jumping to the end of the book and proclaiming it defeated is a privilege many of us don't enjoy.
I recognize that not everyone in our community agrees with my point of view, and that is OK. But what we should be able to agree on is principled disagreement, healthy debate, and due process are ideals we all should be committed to upholding. We are witnessing what happens when authoritarianism is the default mode of operating. That path leads us back to the dead of winter rather than the joy of spring.
At the risk of being apparently divisive, Happy AANHPI Heritage Month, everyone.
Gregg Orton is the national director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Based in Washington, D.C., NCAPA is a coalition of 44 national Asian Pacific American organizations. We represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities and provide a national voice for our communities' concerns.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Israeli officials to meet with Witkoff as tensions grow in Middle East
Israeli officials to meet with Witkoff as tensions grow in Middle East

Yahoo

time35 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Israeli officials to meet with Witkoff as tensions grow in Middle East

Senior Israeli officials plan to meet with a top U.S. envoy this week to clarify their government's views on Iran, an Israeli official said Thursday, as concerns grow that Israel may soon carry out military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The gathering is part of a flurry of conversations and moves taking place in Washington and the Middle East in response to the possibility of an Israeli attack — including the withdrawal of many U.S. diplomats from certain posts. The Israeli officials — Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and David Barnea, the chief of the Mossad spy agency — are expected to travel Friday. They'll see Steve Witkoff, a top envoy of President Donald Trump. The statement from the Israeli official did not say where the meeting would be held. Witkoff is expected to be in Oman on Sunday for nuclear talks with Iranian officials. On Wednesday, Israel's ambassador to the United States went to the White House for conversations, according to a person familiar with the events. A spokesperson for the White House declined to provide immediate comment. The Israeli official and the person familiar with the events were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the developments. Iran's defense minister also threatened Wednesday to strike American bases in the region if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fail and conflict with the U.S. arises. The United States has been pulling many of its diplomats and their families out of key locations in the Middle East that could face threats if the long-simmering tensions between Iran and Israel erupt. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday also authorized the voluntary departures of the families and dependents of U.S. service members stationed at bases in the Middle East. Military personnel, however, will not be pulled at this time. The U.S. announced Thursday that its government employees and their families in Israel 'are restricted from traveling outside' the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva areas until further notice. 'The situation remains complex and may change rapidly,' the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said in a statement. Eli Stokols and Eric Bazail-Eimil contributed to this report.

Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws
Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws

Yahoo

time35 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Live updates: Pritzker testifies before Congress on Illinois sanctuary laws

The Brief Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is testifying Thursday morning in front of a House committee about the state's sanctuary laws. Pritzker has said some GOP committee members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show." The hearing could serve as another opportunity for Pritzker to position himself as a top contender in the Democratic Party. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gov. JB Pritzker is set to testify before a U.S. House committee on Thursday morning about the state's "sanctuary" laws aimed at limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Pritzker, along with fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York, appeared in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The entire hearing is being streamed live in the media player at the top of this story. 9:34 a.m. - Pritzker addresses the busloads of migrants that Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas sent to Chicago starting in August 2022. "Illinois chose a different path. Faced with a humanitarian crisis, our state made sure children and families did not go hungry or freeze to death," Pritzker said. 9:30 a.m. - Pritzker begins opening remarks: "I have seen firsthand how states have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system. I'm proud of how we've and compassionate immigration policies I believe are vital." Pritzker then recounted his family history, the arrival of his great-grandfather escaping pogroms and coming to Chicago. It feels like Pritzker might utilize this moment to introduce himself to a national audience who might not be familiar with him. 9:24 a.m. - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), similar to his role in the Brandon Johnson hearing, hyped up Pritzker's investments and leadership in Illinois. 9:21 a.m. - During Lynch's opening remarks, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Governor there, walks out and puts his finger to his head, mouthing the word "crazy." The political context of these hearings is inescapable: Chairman Comer is running as a Republican for Governor of Kentucky. Donald is running in Florida. Pritzker and Walz may be running for president. There will be fundraising pitches based upon the content today. 9:15 a.m. - Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) follows Chairman Comer, condemning the Trump administration's mass deportation policies. Lynch used his opening remarks to tie the hearing to the "militarization of American cities" under Trump and the administration's deportation of young U.S. citizens with undocumented parents. 9:07 a.m. - Hearing begins as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer opens the meeting with opening statements on "dangerous sanctuary policies." "Let me clear, sanctuary policies don't protect Americans. They protect criminal illegals," Comer said. 8:56 a.m. - Pritzker has entered the building. 8:50 a.m. - Members of the Illinois House Freedom Caucus are in attendance for Pritzker's remarks. 8:40 a.m. 8:25 a.m. - Pritzker's office released his planned remarks hours ahead of the hearing. Among his talking points, Pritzker highlighted how Illinois mobilized quickly to offer shelter, food and services to over 50,000 migrants sent from the southern border without warning. Pritzker blamed both parties in Congress and the federal government for their failure to act. He also said that Illinois cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters but won't misuse state resources for immigration enforcement that doesn't serve public safety. 8:12 a.m. - We are less than an hour away from the opening gavel. Pritzker, Walz and Hochul are expected to kick off the hearing with planned opening remarks. FOX 32's Paris Schutz laid out what he expects to hear from Pritzker's testimony. Hours ahead of the hearing, Pritzker released his planned opening remarks, which touched on how Illinois is handling the influx of immigrants and prioritizing public safety. Read his full remarks here. What we know The governor has said he believes some GOP members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show" and who "simply want to grandstand in front of the cameras." He added, "I'm going there in a serious matter to give them my views about how we're managing through a problem that's been created for the state by the federal government." In a statement, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) said, "The governors of these states must explain why they are prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of U.S. citizens, and they must be held accountable." Back in March, the same committee hosted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York, to testify about the city's sanctuary policies. The national spotlight could also serve as a chance for Pritzker to further cement his status as a top potential contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028. The 60-year-old has not yet said if he'll run for re-election to the governorship in 2026. Pritzker has been garnering national headlines from calling out "do nothing Democrats" during a speech in New Hampshire, a key primary state, to appearing on late night talk shows. The governor, who is worth $3.7 billion per Forbes, is seen as a top contender for his party's nomination in 2028. He boasts a long list of progressive accomplishments in Illinois since he first took office in 2019, including codifying abortion rights, banning assault weapons, a big infrastructure funding plan, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and stabilizing the state's notoriously shaky finances. Dig deeper In 2017, Illinois enacted the TRUST Act under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. The law bans local police from complying with federal requests to detain or arrest a person in the country illegally, unless ordered by a judge. Local law enforcement also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based solely on their immigration or citizenship status. In 2021, the state legislature passed laws expanding protections for immigrants in Illinois. The updated laws required local officials to end partnerships with ICE to detain immigrants. Lawmakers also prohibited officials from inquiring about the citizenship or immigration status of an individual in custody, unless they're presented with a federal criminal warrant. Among other measures, the state legislature also required state and local law enforcement agencies to report requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Despite the moves to protect migrants from potential arrests and deportations, Republicans have criticized the policies. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, a Republican who represents much of the rural cental parts of the state, called on local sheriffs earlier this year to defy the state's sanctuary laws. She said such policies have turned Illinois into a "cesspool of crime and drugs."

Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump
Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

Yahoo

time35 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

Democratic "sanctuary governors" will face a barrage of tough questions at a highly anticipated congressional hearing Thursday morning, as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump continue to throw jabs over immigration policy. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will testify before the House Oversight Committee and sources tell Fox that Los Angeles riots over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Newsom's battle with Trump will likely be prominent topics of discussion. Gop Leadership Unleashes Fury On Dem Governor Ahead Of Blockbuster Congressional Hearing Fox News Digital obtained opening remarks to be delivered by Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., which will set the tone for the fiery hearing. "These Governors handcuff law enforcement from doing their jobs, harbor predators, and call it 'compassion,'" Comer's opening remarks explain. "It is NOT compassion, and it is costing lives, hurting Americans, and draining taxpayer money. Congress must consider whether to defund every single penny of federal dollars going to cities and states that prioritize criminal aliens over the American people." Gavin Newsom Mocked For Tech Issues During Anti-trump Address To Californians: 'Absolute Fail' Read On The Fox News App "Americans want a return to common sense. The Trump Administration and this Republican Congress aims to restore our safety and sovereignty. It is past time for these governors to put Americans first." All three Democratic governors testifying at the hearing sided with Newsom in a statement Sunday addressing Trump's use of the National Guard to dispel riots that have been raging over the past few days in Los Angeles. Rioters set cars on fire, looted businesses, and clashed with law enforcement. "We stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation," the statement signed by Walz, Pritzker and Hochul reads. Los Angeles Business Owners 'Sick And Tired' Of 'Stupid' Anti-ice Rioters Looting Their Stores Since LA's riots, protests over President Trump's immigration policies have since spread to Pritzker and Hochul's states on Tuesday with large gatherings in Lower Manhattan in New York and Federal Plaza in Chicago, blocking off streets and causing disruptions. Fox News Digital also received J.B. Pritzker's opening remarks, where the governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate said his state "could not simply ignore the suffering" illegal migrants faced in Illionis. "The crisis at the southern border in recent years has been devastating; the response from some of our political leaders even more so," Prtizker's statement reads. "As individuals fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution arrived at our border, our nation's leaders were confronted with a choice: would we do everything possible to make the promise of America the practice of America?" Jb Pritzker Rips Trump As 'Authoritarian,' Responds To President Calling Out His Weight "Some border state governors and mayors abandoned our nation's highest ideals – instead of choosing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to treat people as pawns, busing them to states like ours in a dehumanizing attempt to leverage the crisis for political gain. The State of Illinois chose a different path." Republican members on the Oversight Committee spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of Thursday's action, saying the three governors testifying "are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling." "Democrat-run sanctuary states shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement, put law enforcement in unnecessary danger, and disregard the safety of millions of Americans," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan told Fox News Digital. "Seventy-seven million people gave President Trump a mandate last November to put an end to the Democrats' prioritization of illegal aliens over American citizens. And he's doing just that." National Guard Troops Detain Anti-ice Protesters In Los Angeles Under Trump's Orders "To folks like Walz, Hochul and Pritzker, sanctuary state policies are a badge of honor. They are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling," said Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital. "Perhaps Governor Gavin Newsom will take a break from defying federal authority to tune in and see why Americans are fleeing California in droves to escape his failed policies that invite illegal migrant crime and anarchist thugs," Fallon added. The stage is set for the hearing, which will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern time. Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul and Walz but did not receive a article source: Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store