Coyne PR recently welcomed Kinn Badger, Coalitions Director for the New Jersey Democratic State Party (NJDSC), and Toral Patel, Co-Chair of the NJDSC South Asian American Caucus, to host a CoyneTalk celebrating AAPI and AANHPI Heritage Month.

Why is AAPI/AANHPI Heritage Month important?
In case you are hearing two different terms for this month, here is some clarity. AAPI stands for Asian American Pacific Islander. AANHPI stands for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander. The term AANHPI is more inclusive and is the most recent term for this group of cultures.

AANHPI is the fastest-growing racial group in America. There are many AANHPI individuals in politics and media that go overlooked as part of this group – like Vera Wang, Sandra Oh, Vice President Kamala Harris – even Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

We often speak of the women’s suffrage movement and how women did not have the right to vote until the 1920s. Well, not all women… AANHPI women did not have the right to vote until 1952. That is 3 decades after the 19th Amendment was ratified.

There is gross underrepresentation and a lack of education surrounding AANHPI cultures and history, which is why it is so important to raise awareness and lift AANHPI voices.

How can I be a better Ally?
Being an “ally” means being someone who is not a member of a marginalized group but supports and takes action to help others in that group.

There are many things we can do in the world of PR to further support this community. Platforming AANHPI stories with our partners is a great start, along with endorsing AANHPI-led businesses, celebrities, and influencers.

AAPI/AANHPI Resources
Kinn and Toral also share some helpful and interesting resources to learn more:

Why the AAPI ‘umbrella’ can do more harm than good in the workplace

PBS AAPI Heritage Month

Library of Congress AAPI Heritage Month

Key facts about Asian Americans, a diverse and growing population

This CoyneTalk fostered the kind of conversation that is essential to learn and grow.  It was a great experience to engage with our guests who helped foster an open, honest, safe space for discussion and learning.   

Coyne PR extends a warm thank you to Kinn Badger and Toral Patel for their time and sharing their expertise. Happy ANNHPI and AAPI Heritage Month!

Aanhpi Gallery