Thuy, Geena Rocero, Jose Antonio Vargas, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Esther Lee to Speak at First-Ever Unity March to Drive Social, Civic and Economic Change
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WASHINGTON, DC, June 8, 2022 – The country’s leading Asian American nonprofits announced today the first-ever Unity March to take place on June 25, 2022, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. R&B/Pop artist Thuy, award-winning producer and trans rights advocate Geena Rocero, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, and NYC-based hate crime survivor Esther Lee will join more than 40 nonprofits—including Asian American Advancing Justice – AAJC, Gold House, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund—in urging AAPI communities and their allies to advance the Unity March Equity Platform. The platform serves as a critical stepping stone to ensuring equitable representation and rights for all.
“Asian American communities have been disproportionately plagued by widespread violence, racism and xenophobia that runs rampant across American society,” said Tiffany Chang, a Unity March spokesperson. “It’s time for our nation’s leaders to stop offering band-aid solutions to longstanding systemic issues by advancing adequate, sustainable policies that drive long-term positive impact for our communities.”
“The truth is, when we are not safe, we cannot advance towards the promise of a more perfect union, where racial and economic justice, cultural equity, and full participation in democracy is possible,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director at APIAVote, “The Unity March will push for change that allows all people equitable access to these opportunities to thrive.”
Unity March, and multicultural partners representing the intersection of Asian American, LGBTQ+, Muslim, disability communities, Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latinx, and Arab communities, will be uniting to demand progress toward achieving its Equity Platform, which calls for:
- Full Participation in Democracy, meaning a pathway to citizenship for undocumented members and long-term visa holders, access to voting and civic power for traditionally disenfranchised citizens, especially people of color and historically under-resourced communities.
- Racial and Economic Justice, including holding the public and private sectors accountable for investing in workers’ rights and providing equal access to financial empowerment for small businesses, entrepreneurs of color, and women.
- Cultural Equity and Media Representation, that promotes more diverse, authentic narratives and fights harmful stereotypes so we can create culturally dynamic, equitable and inclusive schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
“It’s an honor for me to be able to be a part of this momentous event. Thank you to the organizers for bringing together our community. I’m so proud to be Vietnamese American and to come from immigrant parents who have taught me to be resilient and to use my voice to advocate for what’s right and what I’m passionate about,” said Thuy, R&B/Pop artist.
"I am a very proud transgender Filipina. I find my power rooted in the resilience of my ancestors and my lived experience. It is a huge honor to be in community - to be with family - for this historic Unity March," said Geena Rocero, award-winning producer, trans rights activist and model.
The Unity March will be held on June 25, 2022, starting at 12 p.m. ET at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between 4th Street and 7th Street.
Acknowledging that we are in unprecedented times, Unity March organizations have implemented Covid-19 guidelines.
For more information about the Unity March and how you can help to eradicate systemic oppression to create more equitable opportunities for all communities, visit www.unitymarch.com.