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Vice President Kamala Harris, federal leaders, artists, and trailblazers celebrate community and progress at national event in Washington, DC; Gathering is one of the largest AA and NHPI Heritage Month events hosted by the White House.
Forum draws more than 1,300 community members, influencers, elected officials, and advocates to address critical priorities; Attendees from over two dozen states and U.S. territories join in-person.
WASHINGTON, DC – On May 3, 2023, the White House and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted The White House Forum on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPIs) at The George Washington University in Washington DC, kicking off AA and NHPI Heritage Month under the theme ‘Visible Together.’
The all-day event drew more than 1,300 AA and NHPI community members from over two dozen states and U.S. territories, making it one of the largest in-person events ever hosted by the Biden-Harris Administration in celebration of AA and NHPI Heritage Month. The forum livestream also generated 253,000+ views across White House-branded YouTube and social media accounts.
Through more than a dozen breakout convenings, panels, and artistic performances that included Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander creatives—attendees celebrated the diversity, inclusivity and visibility of the community.
Biden-Harris Administration leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the first South Asian American to serve in the second highest office in the nation, paid tribute to the rich history and cultures of AA and NHPIs and shared the accomplishments made by the Biden-Harris Administration over the past two years—including the release of the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities and progress on addressing hate and promoting greater inclusion.
VIEW THE PROGRAM AND SPEAKER BIOS HERE
“You may find when you walk into a room that you are the only one who looks like you or has your lived experiences,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “My message is: Walk in with your chin up, shoulders back—knowing that you are representing the voices of so many people who are proud that you’re in that room. We are all in that room with you. You are not walking in that room alone.”
“We are excited to host this historic Forum to honor our communities’ diverse cultures and contributions to our nation as we kick off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month,” said Krystal Ka‘ai, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. “The President has made clear that it is a priority of his Administration to advance equity for underserved communities, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Today, speakers across the Administration reaffirmed that we are committed to empowering our communities.”
“Thanks to President Biden, our community has become more visible than ever before. We have an unprecedented AA and NHPI representation in the Administration. Both the President and Vice President have demonstrated with their words, and their actions, and their presence, how much they sincerely care for our community. And have hope for our future,” said Erika L. Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AA and NHPI Senior Liaison at the White House. “That’s what today’s Forum is all about—becoming even more ‘Visible Together.’”
“I’m moved and inspired by the beauty of the AA and NHPI’s diverse community and proud of the historic and unprecedented ways this Administration has seen and uplifted the community,” said Stephen K. Benjamin, Senior Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. “This Administration has made once-in-a-generation investments to improve the lives of AA and NHPIs, and with the help of our partners we will finish the job we started. That’s why this week’s Forum and gathering of community, learning, and coalition building is so timely and critical.”
The historic program included:
Emcees:
A conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris, moderated by:
Musical and artistic performances by a diverse array of creatives from across the country and diaspora.
Four main stage panels, featuring community trailblazers and Biden-Harris Administration leaders focused on advancing equity, public service, creative excellence, and the power of the AA and NHPI voice.
Advancing Equity for AA and NHPI Communities Across Government
AA and NHPI Leadership in Public Service and the Biden-Harris Administration
Advancing AA and NHPI Creative Excellence
The Power of the AA and NHPI Voice
Eight breakout convenings, with national advocates, elected officials, and AA and NHPI leaders focused on community-building that will examine the advocacy, policy, and public service efforts to support our communities.
Advancing Justice Through Data Equity
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
Advancing Equity Through Storytelling and Narrative Change
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
Supporting the Mental Health Needs of AA and NHPI Communities
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
Expanding Philanthropic Investments in AA and NHPI Communities
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
Expanding and Empowering AA and NHPI Entrepreneurship
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
The Impact of Local and State-Level Policymaking
Featuring remarks and discussions with:
Promoting Careers in the Federal Government
Making Connections: A Community Space for Relationship-Building & Networking
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The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
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For general media inquiries, please contact media@hhs.gov.