For fifty storied years, AAFE has persisted in advancing racial, social, and economic justice for Asian Americans and other systemically disadvantaged communities in New York City. This milestone occasions reflection on our unfolding journey: from the 1974 protests that gave rise to our grassroots organization to the present day, to what the next fifty years, and beyond will bring. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocacy in pursuit of a more equitable future for our city we call home. And we thank you—our partners, allies, and friends—for making our impactful work possible.
We look forward to celebrating our special anniversary with you at our gala, where the incredible vibrancy of our community will be on full display. A robust program centered around our history and the people who've dedicated themselves to our community awaits, as well as a host of engaging interactive activities and experiences. Your support in this moment is a testament to our shared vision of empowerment for the thousands of New Yorkers we serve each year. Together, we will inaugurate the next decades to come with the momentum of community power, a mission as true and vital today as it was fifty years ago.
Thomas Yu, Executive Director
Thank you to Our Generous Lead Sponsor
Thursday, May 30th
Tribeca Rooftop
2 Desbrosses Street
New York, NY 10013
Agenda
Panel: 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm
Cocktails: 6 pm - 7 pm
Program: 7 pm - 8 pm
Reception: 8 pm - 10 pm
Event Countdown:
A QUICK LOOK AT OUR HONOREES
The Pioneers of AAFE
We reflect upon the early days of AAFE and its pioneers—including Lydia Tom, Margaret Chin, Doris Koo, and Phil Thompson, to name a few—whose collective vision, determination, and aspirations resonate in our mission to this day.
The Fight for Community Voice
New York State Senator John Liu
Over the decades, our community has found increasing empowerment in the political process—a shift in representation towards equity led by devoted advocates such as John Liu. Representing the 16th Senate District (Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Bayside), we honor Senator Liu for his numerous ‘firsts’ in public service, breaking barriers and giving voice to our community.
An Enduring Legacy
Corky Lee, Posthumous
No look back upon our history—and Asian American history in general—would be complete without recognition of the extraordinary work of Corky, whose photography has laid an enduring foundation for understanding our community’s past, present, and future.
Please Join us Before the Gala for our Panel Discussion
Fifty Years of Activism and Innovation: The Struggle for Social and Economic Justice Past, Present and Future
Co-founders and early leaders of Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) reflect on the political, economic and social forces that combined in the 1970s to activate the community and energize the Asian American civil rights movement. They discuss how AAFE evolved to effect positive change and share thoughts about the similarities and differences - 50 years ago and in 2024 - as we grapple with the weighty community development pressures bearing down on our city and nation today.
Thank you to our Event Sponsors!
visit us at aafe.org
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