The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson has rekindled my memories that had long faded into the background. As an Indian American immigrant, I became increasingly interested in the political landscape of the United States. My interactions with various political figures provided valuable opportunities to gain experience about national politics through their insightful speeches. The activism of my spouse, Rajen Anand, had a profound impact on me, along with the support of mentors like Maeley Tom, one of the most prominent non-elected leaders in the Asian American community, as well as Georgette Imura, Marissa Castro-Salvati, and many others to name a few from those days.

I remember attending numerous rallies and community events as Secretary of the Orange County Central Committee of the Democratic Party in California. At each gathering, Reverend Jesse Jackson’s presence was commanding. His oratory was electrifying, and he invariably closed his speeches with the unforgettable call: “Keep hope alive.” Those words were not merely a slogan, they were a movement.

His remarkable talent, steadfast dedication, and genuine enthusiasm for civil liberties consistently impressed me. His leadership in forming the Rainbow PUSH Coalition reflected a bold and inclusive vision for America. He championed freedom, equality, and fairness within the justice system, giving voice to those too often unheard.

Following in the moral footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson embodied the courage and conviction of the civil rights movement. He carried forward King’s teachings of nonviolence, unity, and faith in humanity—principles rooted in justice and the belief that we are stronger together than divided.

Through his work, he fought for a true “Rainbow Coalition” of Americans—Black, White, Latino, Native American, Asian American; men and women; straight and LGBTQ+—a broad and inclusive alliance bound by the shared pursuit of dignity and opportunity.

Reverend Jesse Jackson remains a steadfast champion of civil rights, diversity, and social justice. Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, his legacy of advocacy continues, reminding us that the struggle for equality is ongoing and that hope must always remain alive. His legacy extends far beyond the rallies, marches, and presidential campaigns that made him a national figure. He transformed the language of protest into the language of possibility. His message was never rooted solely in resistance, it was rooted in hope, dignity, and collective empowerment.

As a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson absorbed the moral force of nonviolence (reminds me of Mahatma Gandhi) and the discipline of organized activism. But he did not merely echo King’s teachings, he adapted them for a changing America. In the decades following the height of the civil rights movement, he expanded the conversation to include economic justice, voting rights, labor equity, and international human rights. He understood that civil rights without economic opportunities were incomplete.

Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Jackson institutionalized his vision of a “Rainbow Coalition,” a broad alliance of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, working-class whites, women, labor unions, faith communities, and LGBTQ+ Americans. This coalition model reshaped American political organizing by demonstrating that shared interests could transcend race, religion, and background. Modern multiracial civic movements are shaped by that blueprint.

His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were groundbreaking. They expanded voter participation, registered millions of new voters, and proved that a Black candidate could compete seriously on a national stage. Jackson’s campaigns inspired political engagement among many young Americans, particularly minorities. They paved the way for greater representation in public life and inspired future leaders to step forward with confidence.

For future generations, Jesse Jackson’s greatest lesson may be clear that progress requires persistence. His life teaches that setbacks are not defeats, and that faith in humanity must outlast moments of division. He modeled moral courage—speaking truth to power while extending a hand across divides. He insisted that patriotism means striving to make the nation live up to its highest ideals.

Young activists today inherit not just his words, “Keep hope alive,” but his strategy of building broad coalitions, anchor activism with moral convictions, combine protest with policy, and never separate justice from compassion. His legacy challenges future generations to see diversity not as a weakness, but as America’s greatest strength. It reminds us that democracy thrives when participation expands, not contracts. Politically, we are experiencing divisions and struggles to stay competitive, strong, and in a leadership role but domestically we are too polarized and must work together to stay most benevolent and a superpower to lead others on the path of innovation and prosperity.

In an era often marked by polarization, Reverend Jesse Jackson’s enduring message is both simple and profound: hope is not passive optimism. It is disciplined action guided by faith in justice. And if individuals rise to defend equality and human dignity, his spirit of hope will continue to light the way forward. May these ideals inspire all of us and give us the courage and confidence to stand for peace, equality, justice and compassion for all, not only here in America but also elsewhere and everywhere.

Tatiana Schlossberg, a Yale and Oxford graduate, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and daughter of Caroline Kennedy, led a brief but impactful life characterized by her commitment to public service, courage, and determination. The concept of legacy is particularly salient within South Asian families, where there exists a strong recognition that individual lives are closely interconnected with those of previous generations. In these communities, inheritance extends beyond names and traditions to encompass achievements, obligations, challenges, and a resilient spirit. This deeply rooted sense of responsibility motivates efforts to contribute positively to future generations, immediate families, and the broader community. Tatiana leaves a great deal of work that is important, and her family, spouse, mother and brother have embraced that work as they honor her legacy.

Growing up in India and later immigrating to the United States as a young person, I developed a profound respect for the Kennedy family, particularly President John F. Kennedy. The family’s unwavering commitment to public service, their embodiment of the high values of character and decency, and their extensive philanthropic endeavors always resonated deeply with me. It is within this extraordinary lineage that Tatiana Schlossberg stands as a compelling figure, inheriting not only a celebrated name but also the weight of an illustrious, yet tragically marked, history.

Born into a family synonymous with leadership and public service, Tatiana has navigated the complexities of growing up in the shadow of profound, globally-recognized tragedies. Yet, what truly sets her apart is the quiet strength and remarkable dignity with which she carried this immense inheritance. This measured poise and unwavering integrity are qualities deeply familiar and revered within South Asian culture—an emphasis on inner fortitude over outward display.

Tatiana pursued a meaningful path instead of relying on her family name. As a journalist and environmental writer, she addressed climate change and sustainability—crucial issues for regions like South Asia and future generations worldwide. Her commitment reflects dharma: fulfilling one’s duty for the good it brings, not for recognition.

Tatiana’s humility is evident as she honors her family’s legacy with meaningful actions and individuality. Her life proves that legacy must be shaped, showing resilience through adversity. After her death at 35, her family now cares for her children. The Kennedy family’s ongoing public service remains admirable despite their challenges.

On January 19, 2026, our nation commemorates the day of service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., honoring his profound influence on the nation. Dr. King exemplified how moral fortitude and the practice of nonviolence could catalyze transformative societal transformation. His philosophy was deeply rooted in Christian principles and further enriched by Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of nonviolence, which itself draws inspiration from the Hindu ‘Sanatana’ philosophy centered on the soul’s aspiration for peaceful existence.

I am also witnessing daily the images of unrest, anger, and profound division that permeate our society. Dr. King’s words resound with renewed urgency. His dream was not nurtured in comfort or tranquility; it emerged during a time of profound injustice, fear, and resistance. Recalling this context reminds me that today’s unrest, while distressing, also reflects unresolved wounds that still demand moral courage and forthright accountability. Numerous families in Iran, Bangladesh, and other global regions are grappling with political upheaval. Additionally, there is unrest in various parts of the world where natural calamities and poverty have wreaked havoc, resulting in people living under challenging circumstances. We also encounter unrest within our own country, where citizens are troubled, and their daily activities are significantly impacted by the presence of federal forces in pursuit of individuals from other nations who were escaping from poverty and residing in this country without proper documentation and legal status. It is widely believed that our systems are strained due to the influx of individuals without legal status, who are depleting our resources.

All these situations, consistently depicted by American Networks, serve as poignant reminders of the enduring principles of Martin Luther King Jr.’s compassion and kindness. This is particularly evident when considering the peace walk undertaken by a group of Buddhist monks and their canine companion, Aloka. Their journey, spanning an impressive 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C., has garnered widespread media attention and has inspired countless individuals.

Throughout their trek, individuals have joined the monks for specific segments, providing sustenance and support to their noble cause. The monks’ silent walk for peace, compassion, and unity has also captivated the attention of photographers and journalists, who have documented their progress and the profound spirit of their endeavor.

This journey underscores the profound significance of cultivating compassion, fostering unity, and engaging in peaceful actions within our daily lives.

Martin Luther King Jr. firmly believed that nonviolence was not synonymous with passivity, but rather a potent force for transformative change. In moments when frustration spirals into chaos, his example urges us to respond not with silence or anger, but with disciplined compassion and purposeful action. He recognized that justice delayed engenders unrest, yet he insisted that the path forward must preserve our shared humanity. This delicate balance feels particularly challenging in the current context, characterized by fragile dialogue and diminished trust.

I vividly recall reading about his dream, his words resounding with clarity: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” This aspiration resonates with many, as we aspire to collaborate peacefully and reap the rewards of our collective efforts with dignity, honesty, and civic engagement. This is a call for working together for common good and prosperity.

Christine Choy, the pioneering Chinese-American documentary filmmaker whose work chronicled Asian American life and injustices, died on November 7, 2025. She was 76 years old according to the New York Times, although other sources report her as 73. Choy was best known for co-directing the Oscar-nominated 1988 documentary “Who Killed Vincent Chin?”, about the racially motivated killing of a Chinese-American man in Detroit, a film that became a landmark in Asian American cultural history and was preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for its significance. Choy made more than 80 films exploring social justice issues and was a co-founder of Third World Newsreel, a collective focused on films by and about people of color. She spent decades teaching documentary filmmaking at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and was widely respected as a mentor. Her career helped shape both documentary cinema and the broader understanding of Asian American experiences.

Read article by Ash Wu, New York Times

Recommended Viewing

Julie Su is one of the few Asian Americans to have held a position in a U.S. president’s cabinet. She is a renowned labor rights advocate who served as the Deputy and then Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2021 to 2025. An attorney, she has championed immigrant workers’ rights and led major reforms as California’s Labor Commissioner and Labor Secretary, including creative approaches to combatting wage theft and protecting immigrant workers. 

Julie was the lead attorney in a 1995 case representing Thai garment workers in Los Angeles County who were imprisoned and working in conditions of slavery, leading to a landmark verdict holding the retail manufacturers responsible for sweatshop abuse. Just 26 years old at the time and a first-year lawyer at the Asian American Legal Center, her tenacity and dedication on behalf of the women changed labor laws. The legal precedent has been used hundreds, if not thousands, of times, nationally and internationally.

Julie participated in our new, powerful documentary short on the Thai garment workers case. Watch “Threads of Freedom: The Case That Changed Labor Law in America” on the 1990 Institute’s YouTube channel. The case was one inspiration for the landmark Victims of Trafficking and Violence Act of 2000. 

Julie spoke at our Roots & Wings Youth Symposium in September, sharing her life experiences with our audience of youth, educators, and parents.

Prior to being appointed to government positions, Julie worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles for 17 years and served as its litigation director. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School and received a MacArthur “Genius” award. She speaks both Mandarin and Spanish. 

We featured Julie Su on our program highlighting New Asian American Voices. Click here to learn about more notable Asian Americans.

Indrani Davaluri stands out as an influential figure in the world of Indian classical dance and cultural leadership. As the founder of the Nataya Margam Dance School, cultural chair of the South Asian Women’s Network and TANA, and an accomplished film producer and director, she has earned widespread recognition and acclaim. Her feature film “Andhela Ravamidhi” is highly regarded for its artistic excellence and has garnered multiple awards.

Indrani Davaluri expressed immense pride in sharing that “Andhela Ravamidhi” was awarded Best Woman-Made Film at the esteemed Indian Independent Film Festival in Maryland. She emphasized that this honor not only recognizes the dedication and hard work of her team but also serves as a celebration of women’s empowerment and the power of storytelling through film.

The film was also screened at Regal Fox cinema in Ashburn, VA, offering audiences an opportunity to experience its artistic excellence firsthand and the audience was invited to a dinner after the screening of the film at a local restaurant.

Indrani’s connection to classical dance is profound and distinguished. She holds a master’s degree in Performing Arts from Madras University and is recognized not only as a performer but as a passionate advocate for the art form. Her life’s work is dedicated to careful preservation and dynamic promotion of classical dance. Each performance is a meaningful cultural exchange, combining grace, tradition, and compelling storytelling. Her outstanding artistry has placed her among influential global figures, highlighted by her participation in a symbolic lighting ceremony alongside former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

Indrani Davaluri presents a personal donation to the AAUC Unity Summit.

Cinematic Achievements

Indrani Davaluri’s artistic reach extends beyond dance into the world of cinema. Her directorial debut with the film “Andhela Ravamidhi” marked a bold step, as she also starred in the lead role. The film’s success, reflected in multiple international awards and critical acclaim, demonstrates her versatility and narrative skill. By taking on both directorial and acting responsibilities, Indrani has reimagined opportunities for women in film, showcasing her creative vision on a global stage.

Named one of the Top 20 Influential Individuals, Indrani’s impact is significant in community leadership. Serving as the Cultural Chair of the South Asian Women’s Network and the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), she actively supports and empowers South Asian voices. She is dedicated to mentoring emerging artists, innovators, and leaders, continually inspiring future generations.

Indrani Davaluri’s entrepreneurial drive and passion for the arts have shaped a remarkable legacy. She has faced and overcome numerous challenges, mastering parallel dance forms to enhance her feature film and making multiple trips to India for collaboration and feedback from industry professionals. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her tireless pursuit of her goals. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Indrani balances roles as a mother, wife, and performer. Her film has toured several festivals in the United States and had a partial release in Ashburn, Virginia, this month and is slated to be screened. It was released in 21 towns across two Telugu-speaking states in India and has English sub-titles for non-Telugu speaking people.

View Trailer and interview

Summary

David Lin, the former president of Japanese American Citizens League, and his wife, Jean, both age 69, were fatally beaten in their Hillsborough, New Jersey home in a September double-homicide. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s office said their deaths were caused by blunt-force head trauma. Officers responding to a welfare check later encountered a knife-wielding man, who was shot by police and hospitalized in critical condition.

Lin was the first non-Nikkei to hold the president’s role. JACL leaders expressed profound sadness and praised his decades of dedicated civil-rights work.

AAUC offers its condolences to the Lin family.

Read story published by Pacific Citizen

In a landmark moment for Minnesota and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, Kaohly Her has been elected as the first Hmong American and first woman mayor of St. Paul, defeating incumbent Melvin Carter in a closely contested ranked-choice election. Her’s victory is not only a political milestone but a deeply personal triumph for many in the Southeast Asian diaspora who have long sought representation in the halls of power.

I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Her on two powerful occasions that underscored her commitment to justice and community. The first was at the MN8 press conference, where she spoke with conviction as a state representative against ICE’s deportation of Southeast Asian residents—many of whom had served sentences for crimes committed as minors and had since been rehabilitated. Her words were a rallying cry for compassion and reform: “We must recognize the humanity of these individuals and the communities they belong to. Justice must include redemption.”

The second encounter was at the Karen Community Annual Gala, where she made her first public appearance as mayor-elect. Her presence at the event was a meaningful gesture of solidarity with one of the lesser-known Southeast Asian ethnic groups. It was heartening to see her embrace the diversity within our AAPI communities and uplift voices that are often overlooked.

Kaohly Her born in 1973 in Laos. Her father worked for the U.S. consulate and her grandfather fought alongside the U.S. Army and CIA in the Laotian Civial War. She immigrated to the U.S. as a Hmong refugee at age four and grew up in Appleton WI. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration; the University of St. Thomas, studying education leadership; and Northeastern University, graduating with a Master of Business Administration in international management.

Capturing a moment of pride and unity with Dr. SK Lo (center) and Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her (right) at the Karen Community Annual Gala

Her’s mayoral campaign was a testament to grassroots organizing and voter engagement. Despite entering the race just three months before Election Day, she galvanized support through relentless door-knocking and a message that resonated with residents seeking change. While ranked-choice voting played a pivotal role in her win, it has sparked debate about its fairness and accessibility. Nonetheless, Her’s election demonstrates the power of inclusive politics and the importance of representation.

As we celebrate this historic achievement, let us also reflect on the journey that brought us here, from refugee resettlement to civic leadership. Kaohly Her’s rise is a beacon of hope for future generations of AAPI leaders.

Watch Kaohly Her’s Acceptance Speech

Khalsa, a longtime Norwich resident, immigrated to the United States as a child. His family ran a neighborhood convenience store where he often worked alongside his parents. After earning a political science degree from the University of Connecticut, he returned to Norwich and became active in civic affairs, later serving on the Norwich City Council, Planning Commission, and leading several community engagement initiatives.

His mayoral campaign began with relatively modest expectations, but it grew steadily as Khalsa expanded his presence across the city. His strategy relied heavily on direct voter contact: neighborhood canvasses, multilingual outreach events, and public listening sessions held in each of Norwich’s major districts. Campaign aides said the intent was to “meet residents where they are” and demonstrate a commitment to transparency early on.

Khalsa’s platform focused on downtown revitalization, youth support services, and climate resilience. He pledged to invest in affordable housing and small-business development, particularly in underserved areas. He also emphasized the need for expanded mental health resources in local schools, citing what he called “rising pressures on young people that the city cannot afford to ignore.”

Another key proposal centered on rethinking emergency response. Khalsa advocated forming a Crisis Response Team composed of trained mental-health professionals to handle nonviolent calls — a model gaining traction nationwide. His infrastructure plans, including solar retrofits for public buildings and improvements to stormwater systems, drew both praise from environmental groups and scrutiny from residents concerned about long-term costs.

Opposition to Khalsa’s campaign largely centered on fiscal concerns and questions about the feasibility of his green initiatives. Nevertheless, voter turnout surged in several precincts that historically saw low participation, a shift that analysts attribute in part to Khalsa’s targeted outreach efforts.

When final results were announced Tuesday night, Khalsa secured a decisive margin. In his victory speech outside City Hall, he thanked supporters and emphasized the collective nature of the campaign. “This election was never about one person,” he said. “It was about building a city that reflects all of its residents and prepares for the future with clarity and compassion.”

Reaction across Norwich has been largely positive. Community leaders praised Khalsa’s longstanding involvement in local affairs, while younger voters said they were drawn to his focus on mental health and economic opportunity. At the Sikh gurdwara where Khalsa’s family worships, members described the win as “a milestone for visibility,” though they echoed his message that his administration will serve the entire city.

Khalsa will take office in January, inheriting a municipal budget that analysts say will require careful navigation. But for many supporters, his election represents both a symbolic and practical shift. As one downtown business owner put it, “He knows the community, he listens, and he shows up. That’s what people responded to.”

Historic Victory in Japanese Politics

Sanae Takaichi made history by challenging four male contenders in the parliamentary elections, ultimately winning the vote to become Japan’s first female prime minister and the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party. Her election marks a significant milestone, shattering longstanding gender barriers within the nation’s political landscape.

This achievement is both a symbol of progress and a testament to the evolving dynamics of Japanese society, which faces a host of pressing challenges, including escalating costs of living, a disenchanted populace, an aging population, a declining birth rate resulting in labor shortages, and a stagnant economy. These domestic issues are compounded by intense geopolitical rivalries with neighboring countries, as Japan competes for economic and diplomatic supremacy.

Born in 1961 in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi is recognized as a conservative politician and has expressed admiration for Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister known as “the iron lady.” Despite having no political lineage—her mother being a police officer and her father an office worker—Takaichi harbored a strong ambition to enter politics from an early age. Her determination paid off on her third attempt, culminating in her long-sought victory. This success has solidified her place in history as a trailblazer for women in Japanese leadership.

Political Stance – an Enigma

Takaichi’s rise to power highlights certain paradoxes in her political stance. While her leadership is hailed as a step forward for women, she has opposed legislation that would allow married women to retain their maiden names, arguing that such changes undermine Japanese tradition. Additionally, she stands against same-sex marriage. These positions present an intriguing contrast: on one hand, she operates on the global stage alongside progressive nations that champion women’s rights, yet on the other, she holds views that reflect a more traditional perspective on gender roles in Japanese society.

During her leadership campaign, Takaichi adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding the labor shortage crisis. She acknowledged the challenges faced by working women, particularly around childcare. To address these she has proposed making babysitter fees partially tax-deductible and offering corporate tax incentives to companies that provide in-house childcare services.

Before embarking on her political career, Takaichi worked briefly as a television host. In her youth, she played the piano and participated in bands, nurturing a fondness for heavy metal music. She has held several senior government positions, including minister for economic security, state minister for trade and industry, and an unprecedented tenure as minister for internal affairs and communications. Her varied career reflects a blend of remarkable traits and diverse experiences.

Key Priorities as Prime Minister

At her first press conference as prime minister on October 21, 2025, Takaichi outlined her primary goals for her administration. She emphasized the need to tackle rising inflation and announced plans to suspend the provisional gasoline tax rate. Her agenda includes fostering public-private collaboration to boost investment in economic, energy, and food security, expanding local government grants for small and medium-sized businesses, and increasing investments in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Takaichi, like her fellow candidates in the 2025 Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, has adopted a hard-liner approach to immigration. During her campaign, she capitalized on a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment, advocating for stricter immigration controls and employing anti-immigration rhetoric.

International Engagements and Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to travel to Malaysia for a major regional summit, marking her first overseas trip since taking office. During her three-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, she will meet with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and is expected to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region as a cornerstone of her foreign policy. She will also engage in bilateral meetings, including discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister and current ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim. Following her trip to Malaysia, Takaichi will host U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo, further underscoring her role in international diplomacy.