Press Release
Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Media Contact: Advancing Justice | Chicago
Communications Manager
Arjumand Khan email: akhan@advancingjustice-chicago.org
Hundreds Gather for 12th Annual Asian American Action Day in Springfield to Demand “Sanctuary for All”
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois– More than 500 community members from across Illinois converged at the State Capitol today for the 12th annual Asian American Action Day, organized by the Pan Asian Voter Empowerment (PAVE) Coalition and led by Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago.
This year’s powerful gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and served as a moment of remembrance, resistance, and renewed calls for immigrant justice under the rallying cry: “Sanctuary for All.”
“I felt really empowered by the day and felt connected to my community. We do not need anyone to speak for us; we can speak for our needs. Our voices belong in the Capitol and our voices deserve to be heard,” said Nebula Li, Advancing Justice | Chicago volunteer leader.
Dozens of lobby teams made up of concerned community members spent the day advocating for policies that uplift and protect Asian American communities.
This year’s legislative priorities include increasing funding for the Immigrant Services Line Item and Access to Justice program, as well as legislation that promotes inclusive school calendars, protections for undocumented immigrants, and affordable housing.
These face-to-face meetings with lawmakers demonstrated the power of grassroots civic engagement and the impact of community-led advocacy in shaping statewide policy.
The PAVE Coalition was honored and acknowledged on the House floor during the legislative session by state Representative Kevin Olickal. State Representative Theresa Mah also highlighted Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago for their leadership within the Coalition.
The day culminated with a rally that began with a heartfelt tribute to Tuyet Le, the former Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago and the visionary founder of both Asian American Action Day and the Asian American Caucus in the Illinois Legislature. The tribute was delivered by Deputy Governor Grace Hou.
Emceed by Stella Wang of Advancing Justice | Chicago and Philana Quan of the Vietnamese Association of Illinois, the rally program included powerful reflections from Southeast Asian American community leaders and personal testimonies highlighting the ongoing challenges facing immigrants and refugees.
Chants of “What do we want? Sanctuary for all! When do we want it? Now!” echoed throughout the Capitol rotunda.
Speakers from the Cambodian Association of Illinois, Lao American Organization of Elgin, and Vietnamese Association of Illinois shared moving reflections on intergenerational trauma and resilience.
Community testimonies from Norasing Kethdy, Jong Hee Yoon (with interpretation by Sunyoung Pierce), and 16-year-old Adam Kattom of the Muslim Civic Coalition underscored the urgent need for increased investment in immigrant services, legal protections, and inclusive school policies.
Illinois’ Asian American elected officials also took the stage in support of the day’s demands. Representative Hoan Huynh, Representative Theresa Mah, and Senator Ram Villivalam expressed solidarity with the community and reaffirmed their commitment to immigrant justice and legislative change.
The event brought together all 19 organizations in the PAVE Coalition and ended with a group photo, final chants, and a unified call to continue the work toward sanctuary and justice for all.
This year’s Asian American Action Day served not only as a commemoration of history, but as a mobilizing force for policy change and a future rooted in solidarity, safety, and dignity for all communities.
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Media note: Please see the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12jD01_gsvXgO-CQn0_eKzTC5ci2PNRh3?usp=sharing_eil&ts=68129ade for pictures from AAA Day 2025. Photo credit: Advancing Justice | Chicago
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago builds power through collective advocacy and organizing to achieve racial equity. Learn more at www.advancingjustice-chicago.org.