WASHINGTON — Today, on the 59th anniversary of the March on Washington, a landmark civil rights march towards the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the AAPI Victory Fund released the following statement commemorating the progress we’ve made as a nation towards racial equity as well as acknowledging the immense work that still needs to be done for racial justice and equity. 

AAPI Victory Fund President and CEO Brad Jenkins issued the following statement:

“On August 27, 1963, hundreds of thousands of proponents of civil rights reform marched towards the Lincoln Memorial in a show of solidarity for racial equity and justice. Almost 60 years later, we’ve made progress towards racial equity, however, there is still so much work that needs to be done. In the face of a grim uptick in anti-AAPI hate due to pandemic-fueled racism and long-standing systemic racism toward African Americans, it is of utmost importance that we stand in solidarity with other communities of color in combatting systemic discrimination.

"We are stronger when we acknowledge each other’s existence, educate, and uplift each other. Today and every day, we will continue to work towards an inclusive democracy by electing officials who are dedicated to passing progressive legislation that works for everyone and brings us closer to a more just and equitable society.”

AAPI Victory Fund National Political Director Shehn Datta issued the following statement:

“Almost 60 years after the historic March on Washington, xenophobia and hate-fueled acts of racism and violence have continued to rear their ugly heads – making this year’s anniversary a stark reminder of the need for transformative change on all levels. After enduring a violent uptick in pandemic-fueled racism towards Asian Americans and decades of systemic discrimination and racism towards African Americans, our country still has a long way to go for racial equity and justice. The AAPI Victory Fund works – and stands – in solidarity with other disenfranchised communities and is committed to building political power to work towards an inclusive democracy.”

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The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.