AAPIs from across New Jersey gather in Trenton for the state’s first Asian American Advocacy Day

November 21, 2024
By Grace Lawson

On Monday, October 28th, the Asian American Coalition of New Jersey gathered at the State House for the first Asian American Advocacy Day, where advocates, legislators, and community leaders united to advance budget and legislative priorities critical to supporting and protecting AAPI communities. Organized by AAPI New Jersey, and its initiative the Asian American Coalition of New Jersey, the event underscored the importance of collective action and representation in shaping New Jersey’s policies.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in various activities, from hallway lobbying and meeting with state legislators to networking with fellow AAPI organizers. Many attended a Senate hearing and visited the Democracy Festival, which celebrated and encouraged civic engagement. For most of the day’s 50 participants, including ten youth utilizing their one state-excused absence per year, this was their first experience at the State House. Fang Gong (巩芳), Vice Chair of the Livingston Chinese Association, reflected, “This was my first time down in Trenton lobbying for issues important to our community. I learned a lot about how NJ legislators work, and I now know how to make my voice heard.”

Youth with Assemblymember Raj Mukherji at the Senate Health Committee Meeting. Photo by Grace Lawson.

The event wasn’t all serious business, though! AAPI New Jersey always goes big on the food! Starting with an amazing breakfast spread plus a whole bunch of everyone’s favorite Asian snacks and drinks to keep us going. At lunch participants enjoyed catered Chinese and Indian to-go boxes, a major hit that even legislators couldn’t resist grabbing—definitely the best food at the State House that day!

A number of partner organizations joined the event, including the Minkwon Center, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ), New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Faith in NJ, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ). Their presence highlighted the importance of coalition building and solidarity among advocacy groups as we work toward our shared goals of equity, inclusion, and justice.

Representatives from NJISJ and Faith in NJ. Photo by Grace Lawson.

Over 20 legislators stopped by to show support, including Assemblywoman Ellen Park who encouraged attendees to check in with friends and family on their voting plans, underscoring the importance of the upcoming election for the AAPI community and the power of collective action at the polls. Senator Andrew Zwicker (NJ District 16) also came by to share that the Freedom to Read Act (S-2421) is heading to the governor’s desk! This act, which Senator Zwicker sponsored, protects libraries’ rights to offer diverse books, shields librarians from harassment related to book bans, and represents a significant victory for inclusivity and the freedom to read in New Jersey.

Attendees left Asian American Advocacy Day with new insights into the workings of state government, learning first-hand how policies are introduced, debated, and moved forward. Many participants were surprised by the accessibility of the State House and the openness of legislators to discuss issues important to the community. Seeing how advocates bring attention to specific bills really underscored how essential community involvement is in making sure these issues get the consideration they deserve.
AAPI New Jersey extends a heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended. Your participation marked an important step forward in ensuring that AAPI communities are seen, heard, and represented in New Jersey.

Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn with AAPI NJ Co Executive Director Amber Reed and AAPI Coalition members. Photo by Grace Lawson.

Senator Andrew Zwicker reviewing the Asian American Coalition’s Key Budget and Legislative Priorities with AAPI New Jersey Co-Executive Director Amber Reed and Board Member Lavanya Raghavan. Photo by Grace Lawson.

Assemblymembers Andrea Katz, Luanne Peterpaul Esq., and Cody Miller With AAPI NJ Policy and Advocacy Advisor Jeffrey Chang. Photo by Grace Lawson.

Asian snacks and drinks. Photo by Grace Lawson.

Special Thanks
Thank you to The Fund for New Jersey, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for their support of the Asian American Coalition.

We also thank Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC for their support of Teach Asian American Stories and our upstander trainings, and APIA Vote and We The People NJ for supporting the civic engagement resources available to this coalition.