The Federation hosted a reception on May 1st at City Hall restaurant to kick-off Asian American Heritage Month with a celebration of Asian American political participation in New York City. Despite a history of over 150 years in New York City, no Asian American has ever been elected to a city council, state legislative, or congressional district representing New York. The event emphasized how the increased political participation of Asian Americans - due in part to the Asian American candidates running for office - will play a significant role in the outcome of the NYC citywide and Council elections. The reception was the first to introduce the 13 candidates of Asian descent running for City Council seats in the November election.

The Federation is honored and delighted to announce that Muzaffar Chishti and Dong Suk Suh have recently joined our Board of Directors. Mr. Chishti is a lawyer and Director of the Immigration Project of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). Mr. Suh is the President of Valjean Jewelry, D.S. Starr, and La Radiant, major jewelry import companies.