FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2022
Contact: Kevin Hirano, Unity March, media@apiavote.org
Leading Asian American Nonprofits Unveil Equity Platform to Drive Social, Civic and Economic Change
Efforts Kick Off with First-Ever Unity March in Washington, D.C., June 25
WASHINGTON, DC, May 12, 2022 – The country’s leading Asian American nonprofits announced today the first-ever Unity March to take place on June 25, 2022, in Washington, D.C. More than 40 nonprofits—including Asian American Advancing Justice – AAJC, Gold House, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and more—will gather alongside Asian American, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and other historically excluded groups at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to advance the Equity Platform, which pushes for equitable representation and rights for all.
“Driven by persistent violence, racism, and xenophobia, the safety and wellness of Asian American communities have not been addressed sufficiently by our nation’s leaders for decades,” said Tiffany Chang, a Unity March spokesperson. “The truth is, when we are not safe, we cannot advance towards the promise of a more perfect union, where racial and economic justice, cultural equity, and full participation in democracy is possible. The Unity March will push for change that allows all people equitable access to these opportunities to thrive.”
Unity March, and multicultural partners representing the intersection of Asian American, LGBTQ+, Muslim, disability communities, Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latinx, and Arab communities, will be uniting to demand progress toward achieving its Equity Platform, which calls for:
- Full Participation in Democracy, meaning a pathway tocitizenship for undocumented members and long-term visa holders, access to voting and civic power for traditionally disenfranchised citizens, especially people of color and historically under-resourced communities.
- Racial and Economic Justice, including holding the public and private sectors accountable for investing in workers’ rights and providing equal access to financial empowerment for small businesses, entrepreneurs of color, and women.
- Cultural Equity and Media Representation,that promotes more diverse, authentic narratives and fights harmful stereotypes so we can create culturally dynamic, equitable and inclusive schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
The Unity March will be held on June 25, 2022, starting at 12 p.m. ET at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between 4th Street and 7th Street.
Acknowledging that we are in unprecedented times, Unity March organizations have implemented Covid-19 guidelines.
For more information about the Unity March and how you can help to eradicate systemic oppression to create more equitable opportunities for all communities, visit www.unitymarch.com.
Host Committee Members:
- Asian American Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC)
- Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)
- Gold House
- Indian American Impact Project
- National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
- OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates
- Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
Unity March Organizational Partners:
For a full list, please visit www.UnityMarch.com.
- Arab American Institute
- Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA)
- Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE)
- National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC)
- Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
- National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)
- National Action Network (NAN)
- National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
- Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
- Sikh Coalition
