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With the recent ICE incursion, Minneapolis has become a national focal point in the fight to defend civil rights and immigrant communities. The AAUC Unity Summit offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Minnesotans who have been on the front lines—organizing, resisting, and protecting their neighbors during this critical moment.
Participants will gain practical knowledge and tools to defend their communities and build powerful coalitions capable of driving political, social, and economic change as we approach the midterm elections.
On Saturday, June 27, we will visit Southeast Asian, Somali, and Latino communities that are directly impacted by the ICE incursion. Community leaders and residents will share how they organized rapid-response networks, supported vulnerable families, and stood together during this challenging time.
On Sunday, June 28, we will convene at the University of Minnesota for a day of panels and presentations focused on coalition-building, civic engagement, and the power of narrative in shaping public policy and public opinion.
The AAUC Unity Summit is designed for community leaders, organizers, advocates, students, faith leaders, and anyone committed to defending civil rights and strengthening immigrant communities.
University of Minnesota
McNamara Alumni Center
200 SE Oak Street, Minneapolis
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Hampton Inn & Suites
2812 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN, 55414
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Yen Marshall, AAUC President
ThaoMee Xiong, Executive Director, CAAL-MN
Dr. SK Lo, AAUC Board Chair
Jack Hanna, VP AAUC
9:00 AM — Opening Gathering
Community Visits
4:30 PM — Debriefing Session
6:00 PM — Optional Dinner Reception at Diane’s Place ($25)
9:00 AM — McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota
Session 1 — Civil Rights in an Era of Federal Overreach
Session 2 — Conversation with Kaohly Her, Mayor of St. Paul (invited)
Session 3 — AANHPI Communities on the Frontlines
Lunch & Networking
Optional affinity tables (youth, elders, legal advocates, educators, faith leaders)
Session 4 — Working with Local & State Government
Session 5 — Lessons from Minneapolis Movements
Session 6 — Beyond Protest: Building Long-Term Political Power
Closing & Call to Action
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
This year’s Summit comes at a defining moment for our communities and our country. In the wake of the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti and amid escalating federal enforcement actions, civil liberties and immigrant communities are under extraordinary pressure.
At the same time, we are witnessing powerful civic mobilization and community resilience. Minneapolis stands at the center of that tension. Their citizens have shown what is possible when disparate groups unite.
There is so much we will learn in our two days together.
This Summit is designed to move us beyond analysis into action. You will leave with stronger relationships and a clearer roadmap for protecting your communities while expanding civic power.
I hope you will stand with us in Minneapolis this June. Your leadership matters, and your presence will strengthen the collective work ahead.
Ted Fong
Executive Director
Asian American Unity Coalition
