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Asian American Coalition of Chicago: Building One World, Our World

Lou Maningas Cabalona

By: Lou Maningas Cabalona

 

Since its founding 34 years ago, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago has always been a significant force in showcasing and celebrating the strength of the Asian American community in Illinois, as well as in the United States.

This year, under the leadership of Rehan Zaid and the Pakistani American Community, it continues its mission of enriching Asian cultural values and recognizing the importance of Asian American contributions to the American democracy and economy.

The Annual Gala held at the Hilton Towers Chicago last March 11 and attended by over 1300 guests presented a captivating line-up of regional dances indigenous to the different regions in Pakistan, a delectable dinner of authentic Pakistani cuisine by Sabri Nihari which, as Zaid had hoped was “not too spicy” for everyone’s taste.

AACC also recognized two outstanding individuals who have made exceptional contribution to the Asian American community: Hon. David Orr, Cook County Clerk receiving the Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award and Carmen D. Estacio, Asian American Liaison of the Illinois Secretary of State, receiving the Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial Award. It also recognized twelve Exemplary Community Service and ten Youth Who Excels awardees from the different communities.

Woven in the all the presentation that evening is the strong and beautiful message of One World, Our World calling everyone to work together for justice, inclusiveness and empowerment to enhance the world we live in.

To achieve this, Illinois Representative, Raja Krishnamoorthi firmly believes in emphasizing in our solidarity as a people. “We have to recognize what we share in common, not what divides us. That’s the key. (We should) build from there and then, we will all live in harmony.”

I caught up with Governor Bruce Rauner as he graciously accommodated guests for a quick photo opp. Asking how he hopes to help in pursuing the vision of one world, our world, he shares, “Our Asian American community in Illinois is one of the most vibrant and dynamic communities anywhere in the United States and are leaders in everything here in Illinois (aimed at) making a better life (in) business, arts, education, law, medicine. We are here to celebrate. We celebrate our heritage. We love our countries we come from but we are a nation of immigrants. We love America and we want freedom and opportunity for everybody. More jobs, good businesses, helping businesses grow and great education.”

Gov. Rauner and Rep. Krishnamoorthi, who addressed the guests before dinner was joined by other dignitaries including Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Chicago’s 47th Ward Alderman, Ameya Pawar, State Representative Theresa Mah, President Cook County Board Toni Preckwinkle, and MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita who underscored the importance of 16 different Asian American communities gathering together demonstrating our unity strengthened by our diversity. The event chair, in his welcome message, likens the effort to the beauty of working together to a kaleidoscope where individual communities come together as pieces to create one harmonic design. Just like a kaleidoscope, the event also holds a different meaning and significance from varying perspectives.

For some of the Filipino Americans in attendance, including AACC Board of Director Lourdes Mon, it is about contributing what we can for the good of the community at-large. Judge Israel Desierto, one of the Exemplary Community Service awardees adds, “It is all about leadership and responsibility. I hope that the Filipino community continues their leadership role in joining all the Asian American community (towards our vision)”

Ron Salazar, who works for the City of Chicago, hopes to shine a light on the older generation of Filipino Americans for the groundbreaking work in establishing our presence in the community, “We are not where we are today, if not for them.”

To accomplish the vision, Dr. Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of PepsiCo, through his keynote address had some concrete advice to offer. One, “Given the stature of this group, now more than ever, through the force of our example, we must first and foremost, demonstrate the enormous value we bring economically, culturally, in the civic society, to this city, this state and this country collectively.” Two, “Engage outside your normal cultural community and reach out. Be the change you want to see (in) this country. Participate in democracy. Become active in the broader community and advocate for what you believe in.” Third, “and the most important thing we can now do is pass not only these values but that drive to our next generation, our children and grandchildren. Encourage them to go beyond what we did.”

Despite all challenges, he reminds us that we as a people have something that keeps us together even and especially in our darkest days.

“You heard recently that when an arsonist in Houston burned down a mosque in Texas, within 48 hours, the local community mostly non-muslims raised a million dollars to rebuild that mosque essentially overnight. They didn’t ask their religion, they didn’t (look at) their color. They basically said this is our neighborhood, these are our neighbors. That is what America is about.” Yes, that is what one world, our world is about.

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(1) Louella with U.S. Representative 8th District Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi,(2) Louella with Governor Bruce Rauner and First Lady Diana Rauner.

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Left: With Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mehmood Khan of PepsiCo and (right) Event Chair, Rehan Zaid

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With AACC Board of Director, Lourdes Mon and Exemplary Community Service Awardee, Judge

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