December 12 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of New York State’s first-ever Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission. Thirteen Asian Americans took their oaths, committing to strengthening ties between the AAPI community and the state of New York. The historic event was held at Queens College, hosted by its President, Frank H. Wu.
Among those sworn in was Neeta Bhasin, a prominent figure known for founding “Diwali at Times Square” and the organization “Sammaan for All.” Bhasin joined Commission Chair Gaurav Vasisht and other members in their pledge to enhance the economic and social welfare of AAPI communities while addressing pressing issues related to health and education. The Commission’s responsibilities extend to making policy recommendations, implementing awareness campaigns, coordinating programs, and increasing public knowledge about resources available to the AAPI population.
The Asian American demographic in the United States has been identified as the fastest-growing ethnic group. However, this growth has also brought unique challenges, including a rise in hate crimes targeting the community. Recognizing these issues, the New York State Assembly introduced the AAPI Commission Bill, spearheaded by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American legislator in the state. The bill was passed unanimously by state lawmakers and subsequently signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on February 7, 2024. With this move, New York joined over a dozen other states and the White House in establishing similar commissions to support their AAPI communities.
Though unable to attend the ceremony in person, Governor Hochul addressed the attendees through a recorded message. “Welcome to the first-ever meeting of the NYS Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission,” she said. “We established this Commission because your voices are essential to our state’s future, and we are always looking to gain a deeper understanding of one another. We invested $35 million to protect Asian American New Yorkers from hate crimes and allocated $30 million to local AAPI organizations to serve their communities.”
The event was attended by over 300 individuals, including notable figures like New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, who was raised in an orphanage in Calcutta, India. Assemblywoman Rajkumar, who played a pivotal role in passing the AAPI Commission Bill, was also present. She is well-known for advocating for the NYC Diwali School Holiday and her broader efforts to support the AAPI community. Assemblywoman Grace Lee also joined the ceremony, underscoring the diverse leadership that has championed this cause.
The ceremony brought together various leaders from the judiciary and public offices, including Supreme Court Judges Karen Gopee and Karen Lin. Shawn Ma, Director of Asian American Affairs, and Sibu Nair, Deputy Director of Asian American Affairs, represented the State Department’s commitment to the initiative.
The newly formed Commission is chaired by Gaurav Vasisht and includes an impressive lineup of members from diverse backgrounds. They are Ambrosia Kaul, Andrew Sta. Ana, Neeta Bhasin, Dr. Joyce Wu, Jeffrey G., Faustina Sein, Marjorie Hsu, Kyung Yoon, Tai Ngo Shaw, Peter Tu, Maf Misbah Uddin, and Tim Law. Together, they aim to create a framework that ensures AAPI voices are heard and their contributions to New York State are recognized and supported.
This landmark initiative highlights New York’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, and addressing the unique challenges faced by one of the nation’s most rapidly expanding communities.