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Asian Americans Unite to Amplify Their Voices During Heritage Month
On a vibrant May morning in Raleigh, North Carolina, Asian Americans gathered for the fourth annual Advocacy Day, a significant event held at the General Assembly to celebrate and bring attention to issues affecting their community during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Hosted by North Carolina Asian Americans Together, approximately 70 enthusiastic participants engaged with 65 legislators, advocating for critical matters such as voter rights, immigrant rights, language access, and mental health policies. Every participant had their own reasons for showing up, but a common thread connected them all: the desire to see their voices resonate in the halls of power.
Nikhill Kulkarni, an attendee, articulated this sentiment beautifully. “I want to have my voice heard. I want to feel like I’m a part of the community and those elected to represent me actually represent my views,” he shared. Kulkarni also expressed deep concerns about the current immigration climate, noting the anxiety felt by many of his neighbors, particularly those navigating the complexities of H-1B visas and green card applications. “The fear of being picked up and deported looms large in our community,” he stated.
Language Access: A Barrier to Basic Services
A pressing issue highlighted on Advocacy Day was the need for improved language access. Jimmy Patel-Nguyen, a representative from North Carolina Asian Americans Together, emphasized how significant numbers of Asian Americans in the state speak languages other than English at home. He noted that one in four community members struggles with limited English proficiency, which complicates access to vital services, including healthcare and voting registration.
“When language access becomes a barrier, it restricts our ability to build informed communities and participate fully in civic life,” Patel-Nguyen explained. This sentiment underlines the urgency of creating policies that dismantle these barriers and ensure inclusivity across various sectors of society.
The Advocacy Day participants left the General Assembly empowered and determined to keep the conversation going. Their collective efforts serve as a reminder that advocacy is not just a one-day event; it’s an ongoing journey toward equality and representation.
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