Asian American Community Events Promote Belonging and Political Voice in US

A screening of the documentary “Unerased: Asian Voices of Cape Cod” was held on June 20 at the ACE Center for New Americans in Lowell, Massachusetts. Participants shared stories of immigration, discrimination, and the gradual development of belonging through community events, trusted leaders, and shared language, including Afghan women who were encouraged by local officials to become more involved.

In Los Angeles, a coalition of 40 AANHPI organizations hosted a historic gubernatorial candidate forum in Koreatown on April 18. Candidates Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee addressed issues such as affordability, immigration and the environment, emphasizing the growing political influence of California’s 7.3 million AANHPI residents, who comprise over 15% of the state’s population. The forum’s recordings and translations will be released in May 2026 to expand voter education.

Both events illustrate efforts to strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community cohesion and to amplify their civic and political participation across the United States.