The threat of snow didn’t deter people from huddling into the Cherry Hill Public Library for the Asian American Coalition of New Jersey’s (AACNJ) South Jersey convening on Saturday, January 17. Inside, high school students, local representatives, community organizers, and people looking to connect with other Asian Americans got to know one another as they discussed some of the most pressing issues facing their communities.

“It’s surreal—being in a room full of people dealing with the same things as me, as an Asian American,” said Vanaro Chan of Delaware County. “We’re a very small group, but we can be large if we come together with a collective voice.”

Although South Jersey has seen rapid AAPI population growth and the rise of its state representative, Senator Andy Kim, to the national stage, organized events like this are few and far between.

“Through the Asian American Coalition of NJ, we have been hosting regional convenings to better understand what issues are most important to AAPIs across the state. We were excited to host our South Jersey Convening in partnership with local leaders, not only to learn what is impacting them most, but also to share our resources and ensure that people know AAPI New Jersey is here to serve Asian Americans throughout New Jersey,” said Danielle Iwata, AAPI New Jersey Director of Organizing. “I’m grateful to always leave these convenings with a sense of pride knowing that so many AAPIs are passionate about coming together and creating positive changes for their communities.”

Assemblyman Balvir Singh, an educator, former Burlington County Board of Education Member, previous Burlington County Commissioner, and the first Sikh Assemblyman in the State Legislature, opened the convening in his district. He said he is eager to get to work advocating for his community under Governor Mikie Sherrill’s new administration.

“Our community is rising in politics all over the state. This is a recent phenomenon. We have to appreciate how, at an accelerating pace, we have become visible in politics in New Jersey,” said Singh. “While we may be the first ones in, we don’t want to be the last ones in. So we have to keep the door open and bring more and more people in.”

After an ice breaker activity for first time AACNJ attendees, representatives from AAPI New Jersey and convening partner Asian American Alliance in South Jersey shared information about their organizations. They discussed common misconceptions about Asian Americans and the impact of AAPI activism before breaking everyone into smaller groups to brainstorm how they can create positive change.

Immigration was ranked at the top of the list for many attendees as widespread ICE raids sweep the nation and the state. Other pressing concerns included cost of living, health and wellness, language access, education, and voting rights.

Chan spoke to his group about a friend’s uncle who passed away after being taken into custody by ICE. “He came in there healthy. The same night, he passed away while in the custody of ICE,” said Chan. “Not too many people are informed of their rights. They don’t know what to do in that type of situation [if] it does happen,” said Chan. Chan and his fellow group members discussed the need for rapid response teams, know your rights campaigns, and increased understanding of undocumented immigrants’ personal experiences.

AAPI New Jersey made Know Your Rights cards available in a variety of languages with information about what to do during an ICE encounter. They also shared information about training events held throughout the state.

A major highlight of the convening was a panel of three students from Cherry Hill East High School—the same school Senator Kim graduated from. The panelists shared their personal experiences with stereotypes and barriers faced when organizing and engaging in student activism. They also discussed how AAPI representation in government and media has shaped the way they lead.

Stella Kim, a junior, took the lead organizing the panel. Her interest was sparked years ago when her mother encouraged her to speak up at a rally advocating for the AAPI Curriculum Mandate bill.

“I had the opportunity to share a very small, 45-second speech on why the bill mattered so much to me,” said Kim. “That experience alone, of just standing in front of people and sharing my experience as a student, not seeing myself in history, and why it was so important to me, completely changed my perspective. Because then from there, the bill got passed.”

Kim said that realizing the power of her voice changed her life and still motivates her to take an active approach in civic engagement. She’s currently working on developing a local chapter of the international nonprofit Dear Asian Youth, which gives students a space to connect with one another.

Her fellow panelist and friend, Elias Kang, uses his voice on the school newspaper. Kang shared how he and other students wrote articles for their school newspaper after interviewing undocumented immigrants, whose identities they protected.

“I always think it’s important to cover a story and experience it from both sides. And for me, the perspective that I felt wasn’t really communicated as well was that of the undocumented immigrants themselves,” said Kang. “People are just afraid to speak up, and especially to these major media companies that could come under flak for doing such a thing.”

Kang wrote an article about an undocumented immigrant who was detained by ICE for 9 days and suffered a fit of epilepsy while being deported; he ended up being sent back to the wrong home country.

“They were extremely passionate about sharing their story,” said Kang. “They all wanted to show America that they’re just normal people. They’re hardworking [people].”

Zarish Hussain, a sophomore, was excited to share her perspective on the panel. She believes it’s important to connect with the growing AAPI community in South Jersey in light of current events.

“I love [participating in] congressional debate. It’s something that I’ve done since freshman year and I’m constantly thinking about different ideas to write into legislation to debate on,” said Hussain. “When it comes to my political ambitions, I plan on making the world a safer place for immigrants.” During the panel, she declared that she would consider running for Congress once she completes her schooling and was met with cheers.

The students also collectively shared how meaningful it is for them when adults take their thoughts and experiences seriously. They concluded by thanking the adult participants for being in the room and listening to the panel.

“This was amazing. I think hearing from you three was the best part of the day,” said Rahat Babar, Deputy Executive Director & General Council of the National Asian American Bar Association. “When I think back to when I was your age, I don’t think I was as sharp or as observant as the three of you.”

Reflecting on the day’s events, attendees said they would warmly welcome another convening in the future.

“I think having this community come to South Jersey is super refreshing to see,” said Fatima Tariq, a sophomore at Cherry Hill East High School. “To have people take a stance, collaborate, and come together as a community to address these issues is important.”