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On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, Indian American engineers who were shot in Olathe, Kansas this week.

Suspect Adam Purinton allegedly confronted Kuchibhotla and Madasani at a bar with anti-immigrant and racial slurs, including, “Get out of my country,” before opening fire, killing Kuchibhotla and seriously injuring Madasani and Ian Grillot, a bystander who attempted to intervene.

Discrimination, hate, and bigotry have no place in America. The Trump administration’s anti-immigrant actions and intolerant rhetoric only serve to promulgate racism and embolden those who are motivated by prejudice and threatening to roll back the progress we have made. This is not the America we know and cherish today.

America is a nation of immigrants. Diversity is our strength. Even so, this horrendous shooting is a solemn reminder that we still have a long road ahead. We must work to make sure that this type of tragedy is not repeated in any corner of our communities. We must continue to work hard to embrace diversity, promote tolerance, and make sure that we move forward, not backward.

In solidarity,

Clark Lee, Esq., State Chair
Hon. Rishi Kumar, Northern Secretary
Deepa Sharma, Esq., Northern Outreach Chair
California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus

Today, we remember the signing of Executive Order 9066 seventy-five years ago in 1942, which authorized the internment of persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II.

The Japanese internment marked one of the darkest hours in U.S. history as the federal government legalized discrimination. Moreover, more than two-thirds of those interned were American citizens.

In his dissent opinion in Korematsu v. U.S., Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy called it “legalization of racism” and wrote, “Racial discrimination in any form and in any degree has no justifiable part whatever in our democratic way of life.”

America is a nation of immigrants. As Americans, we must stand up for our resilient democracy, celebrate our vibrant diversity, and protect the rights of every person regardless of background. We must remember that what is legal is not always just. We must stand together and fight together for justice and equality for all.

Today, as we face a White House that wrongfully considers this Executive Order as a precedent for discriminatory executive actions and a president who threatens to roll back the civil rights advancements we have made, we must stand together and make sure that history does not repeat itself ever again.

In solidarity,

Clark Lee, Esq.
State Chair, Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
California Democratic Party

LOS ANGELES – California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Chair Clark Lee released the following statement commemorating the 2017 Fred Korematsu Day:

“On behalf of the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, we honor the legacy of Mr. Fred Korematsu in commemorating the 2017 Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution in California, the first day in U.S. history named after an Asian American.

“Facing blatant racial prejudice in World War II, Mr. Korematsu challenged the President’s executive order authorizing Japanese internments and refused to submit to legalized discrimination. In his dissent opinion in Korematsu v. U.S., Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy called it ‘legalization of racism’ and further wrote, ‘Racial discrimination in any form and in any degree has no justifiable part whatever in our democratic way of life.’

“Nevertheless, today, just ten days after Trump took office as President, the Trump administration has managed to issue discriminatory policies and promote outrageous rhetoric that threaten to erode the progress we have made and roll back the civil rights advancements we cherish.

“The spirit of Mr. Korematsu is more critical now than ever. Across the nation, we see everyday Americans taking action on the streets, at the airports, and in their neighborhoods – many of them becoming politically active for the very first time – in standing up against the Trump policies that seek to enact legalized discrimination of yesteryear. Here in California, we say a resounding ‘NO!’ to these policies and will fight against Trump’s prejudicial actions.

“America is a nation of immigrants. As Americans, we must stand up for our resilient democracy, celebrate our vibrant diversity, and protect the rights of every person regardless of background. Most importantly, we must not forget the ordinary women and men, like Mr. Korematsu, who stood up against prejudice in furthering justice and equality for all.”

Join our Caucus at the California Democratic Party 2016 Summer Executive Board Meeting in Long Beach!

2016 CADEM Summer Executive Board Meeting
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Meeting

Saturday, June 18, 20164:00 PM – 6:00 PMHyatt Regency Long Beach200 S. Pine Ave.Long Beach, CA 90802Click here to see the CADEM Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Meeting agenda
Featured Presentation:

Countering the Politics of Division: Fighting Islamophobia in California

Partnered with the CADEM Arab American CaucusClick here to visit the CADEM Executive Board Meeting websiteQuestions, please email cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com.

The 2016 Democratic National Convention will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25-28, 2016 – and you can be part of history this summer in nominating the Democratic candidate for President and Vice President.

California Democrats will have one of the largest, most diverse delegations at the Democratic National Convention.

Here are some ways you or someone you know can participate in the 2016 Democratic National Convention:

Become A Delegate to the Convention

If you would like to become a Delegate representing California to the Democratic National Convention, visit www.cadem.org/philly2016 to learn more about the Convention.

Deadline to file for District-Level Delegate is April 13, 2016, 5 PM.

Deadline to file for At-Large Delegate and Party Leader-Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate is June 9, 2016, 5 PM.

Be An Intern at the Convention Committee

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) is looking for enthusiastic, politically-minded future leaders for the 2016 Internship Program. This program is designed to give highly-motivated interns an inside look at how the Convention is put together. Interns will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with DNCC leadership and staff in planning the Convention

The DNCC Internship Program will take place from June 1, 2016, to August 5, 2016. Applications are accepted now through COB on April 15, 2016.

Visit www.demconvention.com/internship for the application and further information regarding the program.

Be A Volunteer at the Convention

The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention needs thousands of volunteers to showcase the best of Philadelphia and ensure that the Democratic National Convention is a success. There will be an array of volunteer opportunities leading up to and during the Convention. From greeting and guiding guests to providing administrative support, volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities and critical to the Host Committee’s efforts.

Visit www.phldnc.com/help-make-history and sign up today.

More Information

Below are some useful links:

California Democratic Party Page on the DNC Convention
2016 Democratic National Convention
Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee
Democratic National Committee

We hope to see you represent California in Philadelphia!

Join the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (CDP API Caucus) at the 2016 California Democrats State Convention in San Jose!

2016 California Democrats State Convention
Friday, February 26, 2016 – Sunday, February 28, 2016
San Jose Convention Center
150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113
Click here to visit the official California Democrats State Convention website

Caucus Meeting at the Convention

The CDP API Caucus Meeting at the Convention will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM at the San Jose Convention Center, Room LL21B. Please check the California Democrats State Convention website for updates.

Click here to download the Caucus Meeting Agenda with Awards Presentation Program, Special Panel Discussion, and Evening Reception information

2016 Trailblazer Awards

The 2016 Trailblazer Awards will be presented during the Caucus Meeting, honoring
State Assembly Member Warren T. Furutani (ret.)
State Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma
Strategic Counsel Bill Wong

2016 Rising Star Awards

The 2016 Rising Star Awards will be presented during the Caucus Meeting, honoring
Ms. Sonya Logman
Hon. Ash Kalra

Click here to view past honorees of the Trailblazer Awards and the Rising Star Awards

Panel Discussion
Countering the Politics of Division: Fighting Islamophobia in California

The Caucus Meeting will feature a special panel discussion addressing the recent developments and rhetoric on Islamophobia this election season

If you would like to join the CDP API Caucus or to renew your Caucus membership prior to the Convention, please click here to visit the Caucus Membership page.

Karaoke Night at the Convention!

Join Us: Annual Karaoke Night at the Convention!
Saturday, February 27, 2016, 10 PM – 1 AM
Hyatt Place
282 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA 95113
See CDP Convention Agenda for Details

Click here to download an invitation

If you have questions, please email us at cademparty.apicaucus@gmail.com.