November 2, Philadelphia, PA – A vibrant gathering of Southeast Asian community leaders and activists convened in South Philadelphia for a forum titled “Southeast Asian Community Leaders Forum” The event, hosted by the Philadelphia Cambodian American business community and the DNC AAPI caucus Chair, drew over 100 attendees from across the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, showcasing the diverse voices within the AANHPI community.
The forum aimed to energize voters ahead of the upcoming election and featured several high-ranking federal officials who spoke passionately about the importance of electing Kamala Harris as President.
Leading the discussion was Ms. Belkis Leong-Hong, DNC AAPI caucus Chair, who recounted her own journey as an immigrant from China and Cuba. Bel emphasized the importance of electing leaders who understand the struggles and aspirations of the immigrant community, highlighting the success stories of those present.
Hor Chou, President of the Philadelphia Cambodian American Business Community, echoed Bel’s sentiments, stating that the Cambodian American community in Philadelphia has built itself up from nothing. He emphasized the importance of electing a leader who understands the challenges faced by small businesses, a key component of the community’s economic success.
The Honorable Dilawar Syed, participating in a personal capacity, delivered a rousing speech focusing on the concrete policy plans of Kamala Harris. He outlined her priorities, including addressing high prices, strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and enacting a plan to provide affordable housing options for all Americans. Syed, the highest-ranking Muslim American in the federal government, also shared his personal perspective on the importance of protecting minority communities from discriminatory policies. He drew attention to the threat to democracy posed by the Trump administration, emphasizing the need to protect minority communities from policies like the “Muslim ban”.
The Honorable Keo Chea, participated in the forum in a personal capacity. engaging in a thoughtful discussion with fellow attendees about the experiences and challenges facing the Southeast Asian community in the United States.
The Honorable Nani A. Coloretti, currently the highest-ranking Filipino American in the federal government, participated in the forum in a personal capacity. Coloretti emphasized the importance of electing a president who listens to the community and seeks common ground. She underscored the need for diverse representation in government and highlighted Vice President Harris’s commitment to engaging with communities and addressing their concerns.
The Honorable Jenny Yang, attended the event in a personal capacity. She shared insights from her government experience and urged the community to participate actively in politics and advocate for their rights. Reflecting on her work in the White House and at the EEOC, Yang highlighted the urgency of advancing racial justice and equity, stating, “Every community feels like we need to do more because every community is experiencing so much harm.” She stressed the importance of having a strong leader like Kamala Harris in the White House to ensure that Asian Americans receive the attention and protection they deserve.
Estelle Nguyen, Sreymum Sok, Kimchhay Leang, and Bill Chow, along with other community leaders, shared their perspectives on the current state of the Southeast Asian community and called for unity and collective effort for a brighter future.
The event concluded with the presentation of a plaque to Ms. Belkis Leong-Hong, DNC AAPI caucus Chair, acknowledging her tireless work and dedication to the Cambodian American community. Attendees emphasized the critical importance of voting in this election, highlighting the significant challenges facing Southeast Asian Americans. The forum served as a powerful testament to the resilience, activism, and unwavering commitment of the Southeast Asian community in Philadelphia to support Kamala Harris for President .
CUS ChineseinUS proudly served as the exclusive Chinese media partner for the Southeast Asian Community Leaders Forum. Despite receiving full event details less than 24 hours before it began, we swiftly disseminated information across multiple digital platforms, including WeChat, to raise awareness about this important gathering. Our efforts resulted in over 20 Chinese readers, including community leaders, small business owners, and residents, participating in the event. Committed to amplifying the voices of the AANHPI community, CUS ChineseinUS looks forward to engaging more deeply in future collaborations with diverse ethnic groups, working together in solidarity to promote inclusivity and understanding.
