August 19, 2024, Chicago, IL – The 2024 Democratic National Convention opened with a powerful call to action from Bel Leong-Hong, the chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus. A respected and influential figure within the Democratic Party, Leong-Hong delivered a passionate and insightful speech that underscored the caucus’s remarkable growth and its steadfast commitment to amplifying the AAPI community’s voice.
Leong-Hong, known for her quiet yet impactful leadership, began by expressing her gratitude to the Chicago AAPI community and business leaders who organized “Taste of Asia,” a vibrant cultural celebration that took place the day before.
She then introduced her leadership team, including Vice Chair Otto Lee from California, Secretary Keith Umemoto also from California, and Treasurer Amy Monk.
Leong-Hong’s speech was a testament to the AAPI Caucus’s journey from a small gathering of just 200 people at the 2004 DNC in Boston to a force of over 1,200 registered participants in Chicago. This remarkable growth, she stressed, wasn’t just about numbers, but reflected the caucus’s increasing political influence.
“We have grown, but the most important aspect of this growth is that we have not only increased in size but in political empowerment,” Leong-Hong declared. She proudly shared that the caucus now boasts 32 members, with 29 elected DNC members, state party chairs, or vice chairs. Leong-Hong also highlighted the historic increase in AAPI delegate representation at the convention, a significant milestone for the Democratic Party.
Leong-Hong’s speech took on a personal and emotional tone when she shared her encounter with then-Senator Kamala Harris at the 2019 DNC in San Francisco. “Five years ago this week, on August 22nd, 2019, then-Senator Kamala Harris, a presidential candidate in a field of 15, came to visit our caucus,” Leong-Hong recalled. “Before she began her speech, she gave me a hug, and I whispered into her ears, ‘It is my dream, my personal dream, that in my lifetime I will see an AAPI president of the United States.’ She made that dream partially come true when she became the Vice President of the United States. And now, we are one step closer.”
Leong-Hong also emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election, highlighting the threat posed by Donald Trump’s “Project 2025,” a blueprint for potential policy changes. “This is an existential fight for our American way of life,” she asserted. She also noted that Congressman Ted Lieu is leading a task force in Congress to address the concerns raised by “Project 2025.”
Leong-Hong outlined a strategic approach to ensure victory, emphasizing the need for a strong campaign strategy that includes robust financial support, voter mobilization, and effective communication. She highlighted the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Harris-Walz ticket, referencing the “one-upmanship” among various groups to support the campaign. Leong-Hong also expressed excitement about the re-engagement of young voters, particularly Gen Z, who are drawn to the authenticity of Vice President Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
Looking toward the future, Leong-Hong outlined the convention’s agenda, including panels focusing on media influence, the role of youth leaders, and the strengths of AAPI elected officials. She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt note, sharing her personal hope of witnessing an AAPI president in her lifetime, a vision she believes is within reach.
Leong-Hong’s speech resonated with the audience, showcasing her leadership and the growing influence of the AAPI community within the Democratic Party. The AAPI Caucus is poised to play a vital role in the upcoming election, and Leong-Hong’s message of unity, empowerment, and hope serves as a powerful call to action for AAPI voters across the nation.
Notable attendees include：
Governor Tim Walz
Jamie Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)
- Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)
- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of Congress
- Senator Tammy Duckworth, Member of Congress
- Congressman Mark Takano, Member of Congress
- Congressman Ted Lieu, Member of Congress
- Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, Member of Congress
- Congressman Ro Khanna, Member of Congress
- Madalene Mielke, President & CEO of APAICS
- Christine Chen, Founder and Executive Director of APIAVote
- Nadia Belkin, National AANHPI Engagement Director at Harris for President
- Andrew Peng, National AANHPI Spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign
- Mini Timmaraju, President of the nation’s leading advocacy organization
- Tonia Bui, Founder of PWP Strategies
- Dottie Li, Founder and CEO of TransPacific Communications
- Dr. Gloria Wu, President-Elect of the Santa Clara County Medical Association
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