August 19, 2024 Chicago, Illinois – On the opening day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), delivered an impassioned speech, urging attendees to rally behind Kamala Harris as the first Asian American woman president in U.S. history.
Chu warmly welcomed all attendees and expressed excitement for the upcoming election. She encouraged everyone to work together to make Kamala Harris the first Asian American woman to be elected President of the United States. Chu asked the crowd, “Are you ready to elect Harris as our first Asian American woman president?” The question elicited thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
Chu extended her gratitude to Bel Leong-Hong, Chair of the DNC’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, praising her outstanding contributions to the caucus over the years and celebrating her birthday on the spot. Chu led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Leong-Hong, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Chu then reflected on the AAPI community’s journey in American politics, mentioning Norm Mineta, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and Robert Underwood, the former U.S. Congressman, as some of the pioneering leaders of the AAPI Caucus.
She highlighted how the AAPI community, once overlooked in Congress, now boasts 22 members of Congress and 79 caucus members, showcasing significant political progress. Chu specifically mentioned current AAPI members of Congress, including Jill Tokuda from Hawaii and Mark Takano from California, who have made significant contributions to advocating for AAPI rights.
She emphasized the achievements of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in pushing forward key legislation, including passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, advancing the Asian American and Pacific Islander American History Museum Study Act, and successfully ending the Chinese Initiative targeting Asian Americans. Chu stated, “We have found our voice, and we have moved so many important agendas.”
In her speech, Chu specifically addressed the importance of key battleground states. She stressed the critical role of Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, encouraging attendees from those states to continue their efforts to contribute to the election’s success. She also praised Nadia Belin, the AAPI Engagement Director for the Harris campaign, for her crucial role in the campaign.
Chu urged attendees to maintain their engagement throughout the election season and continue working for the power of the AAPI community. She concluded, “We have moved from the margins to the heart of victory, and we need to fully utilize this energy to secure victory in 2024.”
Chu’s speech ended with enthusiastic applause and unwavering support, setting a positive tone for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
