AAUC has joined other Asian Americans promoting a new initiative, “Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence”. The committee, a coalition of individuals and organizations from Asian American communities is dedicated to planning and executing the DOI250 initiative, including:
- Advocate for Asian Americans to organize and participate in various events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States across the country from now to July 2026. • Organize a national event around July 4th, 2026, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. • Publish a multimedia commemorative album for the Declaration of Independence 250th Anniversary events after July 4th 2026.
Our goal is to prompt, create and widely disseminate the Asian American communities’ stories that exemplify their experiences and contributions to America throughout the last 250 years. We want to affirm our heritages’ values of promoting community, social responsibility, obtaining greater access to the rights and benefits entitled to all and emphasize our commitment to making America the standard of what all countries should aspire to.
In 1876, during the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Asian laborers were seen as an “economic threat,” accused of taking jobs from white workers. By the 200th anniversary in 1976, Asian Americans were still viewed as “perpetual foreigners” despite their significant contribution to the development of the U.S. in the economy, culture, and national defense. Nevertheless, Asian Americans actively participated in the bicentennial celebrations in various ways. Today, 24 million Asian Americans have become an undeniable component of the country. We will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as stakeholders, celebrating our progress and contributions in building the country envisioned by the founding fathers, demonstrating our influence and power, and leaving a significant mark on the celebrations of America’s 250th founding anniversary.
DIO250 will assist all the communities, both urban and more rural areas to develop a very deliberate and clear program. It will include a specific and deliberate plan that each local community could use as a prototype to organize their respective community. Additionally, it intends to plan for urban celebrations that are practical, not expensive, at one, two or more major events in urban centers such as Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, or San Francisco, ect. that could be broadcast either locally or throughout the country that would provide a sense of unity, common purpose and experience in a way that is both local and national.
AAUC, along with other members of the DIO250 urge all Asian American communities and organizations to join in our efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of our country’s 250 years of declaring our independence from England and the contributions made by Asian Americans from its founding up to the present day.
