Congressman Kim to Hold Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Town Hall 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that he will hold an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Town Hall on Wednesday, May 26^th at 10:45am. The town hall will focus on efforts to address an increase in hate crimes against the AAPI community and will feature youth activists who have been working to lift up the voices of Asian Americans across New Jersey

Residents of Burlington and Ocean Counties can sign up for the AAPI History Month town hall by clicking here.

Joining Congressman Kim will be Eesha Shrivastava, a Senior at Northern Burlington County High School and Co-founder of the Not in Our Town initiative in Chesterfield Schools to combat hate, racism, and bullying, and to build safe, inclusive communities for all; Luna Ding, a Junior at  Moorestown High School; and Mateo Guarin a student at Toms River South High School who was recognized by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights for creating an anti-hate video that you can view by clicking here.

“This Heritage Month means more than ever as we face down hatred and violence,” said Congressman Kim. “We’ve seen young people lead the charge against that hate, and I’m proud to be joined by our youth leaders from Burlington and Ocean County to give voice to those who need to be heard. I hope everyone from across our communities – not just AAPIs – can join us and take part in this conversation.”

In New Jersey, Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group, comprising 10 percent of the state’s population and ranking third in population. Nationwide, Asians represent more than 30 ethnicities, with a diverse community of rich cultures with distinct traditions, unique languages, and histories.

Last week, Congressman Kim attended the White House signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a bill he championed that addresses the rise in hate crimes and violence against the AAPI community.

Congressman Kim is the first AAPI member of Congress from New Jersey and the first Korean American Democrat to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.