California State Senator Dave Min (D-37) has received the League of California Cities Asian Pacific Islander Caucus’ Vincent Chin Civil Rights Champion Award.
The API Caucus created the award in 2020 as anti-Asian sentiment rose throughout the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is given to public service leaders who are advocates for the AAPI community.
According to a press release, Sen. Min was given the award for introducing legislation to combat hate crimes on public transit and advocating for vulnerable populations. Sen. Min thanked the caucus for presenting him with the award, calling it an “incredible honor.”
Min is the second recipient of the award. Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) was the first recipient in 2020. In an interview with the API Caucus posted to Facebook, Min called Rep. Chu one of his personal heroes.
“I think sets an example that all of us who are in public service really can aspire to. She does what she says she’ll do, you know, she keeps her promises. She follows through and she pays it forward,” Min said.
During the interview, Min was also asked how Asian Americans could continue to honor Vincent Chin’s memory. The state senator said he believes we can honor Chin’s memory by standing up against all forms of hate, not just anti-Asian hate.
“I know there are many in our communities that want to keep their heads down. They will call out anti-Asian racism, but when they see other groups being targeted, and think that’s not our problem,” Min said. “Well, it is our problem because if we want them to stand with us, we have to stand with them.”
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