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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Yang Chen, Executive Director August 25, 2020 (646) 653-2168

ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CONGRATULATES SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS ON HER HISTORIC ACCEPTANCE OF VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) honors the historical significance of Senator Kamala Harris’ acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination for Vice President on August 19, 2020. Senator Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, is the first woman of color to accept the nomination for vice president from a major political party. AABANY’s theme this year, “Strong Together: Unity in Diversity,” supports Senator Harris’ vision of greater inclusivity and finding power in diversity. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged and embraced her Black and South Asian heritage, stating: “[My mother] raised us to be proud, strong Black women, and she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage. She taught us to put family first— the family you’re born into and the family you choose.” Senator Harris also reflected on systemic racism, committing herself to a “vision of our nation as a beloved community — where all are welcome, no matter what we look like, no matter where we come from or who we love.” “Senator Harris’ nomination is an important step towards greater representation of Asian Americans in government and politics,” stated Sapna Palla, President of AABANY. “According to A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law, 88% of Asian American women report at least one barrier to career advancement. As a female, South Asian lawyer and AABANY’s first South Asian President, I applaud Senator Harris for helping to break down these barriers for all women of color.” AABANY also echoes the statement from Bonnie Lee Wolf, President of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, in recognition of the historical significance of Senator Harris’ nomination: “Her nomination is not only historic, but deeply meaningful to the Asian Pacific American community. Sen. Harris is the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, and she understands the priorities and concerns of Asian Pacific American and Black communities, which have been underrepresented at all levels of government. Since her tenure in the Senate, Sen. Harris has shown a strong commitment to diversity—including having one of the most diverse staff in the Senate and elevating people of color to leadership positions.” For more information, please contact Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, at (646) 653- 2168, or direct any inquiries to [email protected]. The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian Pacific American community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the Asian Pacific American community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). ###

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