Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission

The AAPIC invites you to our next Western Mass Meeting on Saturday, April 12, from 10am-1pm at the UMass Amherst Center in Springfield! Join us for ongoing community discussions and new conversation on community events, resources, and shared concerns. Attendees should RSVP to Cha Lor at [email protected] or through this link: https://lnkd.in/ggsQKErx We hope to see you there! ?? #AAPICommission #WesternMassMeeting?

Join the Massachusetts Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission for the 17th annual Unity dinner! An unforgettable evening with State Legislatures, Community Leaders and Community Heroes. Reserve your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/eb6V25mn #AAPI #aapiheritagemonth #events

Advocacy Day at the State House with the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women On March 24, 2025, hundreds of residents attended this event to support bills advancing women and girls in the Commonwealth. The AAPIC Policy Director, Leela R. attended, inspired to see so many young people eager to lend their voices and stories to this advocacy work. Speeches included the State’s Attorney General and Auditor sharing their personal stories, and encouraging attendees to continue speaking up to improve gender equity in the Commonwealth. AG Campbell reminded the audience that her middle name is Joy, and we must continue to create joy while life feels complex and difficult ? Pictured:? Slide 1: The masses gathered for Women's Advocacy Day at the State House Slide 2: Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell speaking Slide 3: Auditor Diana DiZoglio speaking Slide 4: A snapshot of MCSW legislative priorities on a handout #AD25 #MCSW #GenderEquity #Massachusetts #MAStateHouse

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the impact that women have had on our communities ?? The Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission wishes to honor the women of the 194th General Court’s House Asian Caucus: ??Vanna Howard, 17th Middlesex ??Tram T. Nguyen, 18th Essex ??Amy Sangiolo, 11th Middlesex? ??Erika Uyterhoeven, 27th Middlesex These women work to better serve and advocate for our AAPI communities in Massachusetts, and have each made a profound lasting impact on the lives of Massachusetts residents. #WomensHistoryMonth? #AAPIWomenLeaders? #AsianCaucus

???? Come to our Pasifika Community Gathering! ???? Join us for a special time to connect, talk stories over delicious food, celebrate our cultures and strengthen our bonds as a community. ?? ?? Saturday, April 19, 2025 | ?? 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM ?? Cambridge Public Library, Lewis Room, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138 Lunch is provided! ?? RSVP now — https://lnkd.in/ggX_v9F9 #PasifikaGathering?

On February 8th, I had the honor of attending my first event as a commissioner, representing APPIC. My role was to deliver a speech on behalf of the organization—a task that felt both exciting and stressing.? The event featured the screening of “A Sunny Day”, a powerful film that depicts the struggles faced by the Burmese people under the brutalities of the junta. Based on real-life events, the movie was developed after months of in-depth research, including interviews with students, ethnic leaders, and survivors of horrific human rights abuses. Told through the lens of a musical, its storytelling was raw yet uplifting, weaving themes of resilience, unity, and hope throughout. It was impossible not to feel the weight of their pain, but also the strength and courage that continue to drive their fight for justice and freedom. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity to connect with such a dedicated Burmese community an amazing group of people who work tirelessly to advocate, educate, and support their people both here in the United States and back home. A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful professor, Ardeth Thawnghmung ,and my former classmate, Naw Moo Moo Paw, for this amazing event.??

Navroz Mubarak! ??? As we welcome Navroz, the Persian New Year, communities across Massachusetts are celebrating this time of renewal, reflection, and unity. Observed by Persian, Central Asian, Kurdish, and South Asian communities, Navroz marks the arrival of spring and new beginnings, embracing the spirit of hope, light, and resilience. Across the Commonwealth, diverse communities come together to honor this ancient tradition: ?? Greater Boston & Cambridge – Home to vibrant Iranian, Afghan, and Central Asian communities, with Navroz gatherings at local cultural centers and mosques. ?? Middlesex County (Newton, Lexington, Waltham, and Arlington) – Celebrated by Persian and Kurdish communities, with Nowruz events featuring traditional Haft-Seen displays, music, and poetry. ?? Worcester & Springfield – Marked by Afghan and Kurdish communities, including fire-jumping rituals (Chaharshanbe Suri) symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. ?? Merrimack Valley (Lowell, Andover, and Lawrence) – Home to a growing Ismaili Muslim and Afghan community celebrating with family feasts and reflections on service and generosity. It’s inspiring to see Massachusetts embracing the cultural diversity and shared heritage of Navroz. I also want to thank our state legislators and community leaders who recognize the significance of this holiday and work tirelessly to promote inclusion and cultural appreciation across the Commonwealth. The Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission and I wish this Navroz bring joy, prosperity, and new opportunities for all! #NavrozMubarak #Nowruz #PersianNewYear #CulturalDiversity #Massachusetts #AAPIC

On February 22, we held our first Western Mass Meeting of 2025 in Springfield. Thank you to all of the community and organization representatives that attended this meeting and contributed to a thoughtful discussion ?? Together, we shared organization updates before continuing on to discuss community topics like higher education and federal funding cuts, AAPI business and entrepreneurship challenges, and protecting AAPI immigrants. #AAPI #WesternMassachusetts

Immigrants Day at the State House with the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) On March 19, 2025, over 500 people came to the Massachusetts State House, showing support and solidarity in the fight for immigrant rights. Speeches underscored the need for two of MIRA's priority bills: the Safe Communities Act and an immigration legal defense fund. ? Pictured:? Slide 1: The masses who gathered for Immigrants Day at the State House Slide 2: Liz Sweet, Executive Director of the MIRA Coalition Slide 4: Tri Tran, Director of Public Policy at Rosie's Place - an overnight shelter for those in need who self-identify as women Slide 3: AAPIC Policy Director Leela R. (left) with State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven - 27th Middlesex (right) Massachusetts is a home for everyone. When immigrants are provided more protections and opportunities, we all do better. #IDSH2025 #MIRACoalition #ImmigrantRights #Massachusetts #MAStateHouse

Happy Holi to all who celebrate! ????? Swipe through for a non-exhaustive list of Holi celebrations happening in Massachusetts. Know of any others? Drop them in the comments below! May this festival bring you joy, color, and togetherness. #Holi #FestivalOfColors #AAPI #Massachusetts