JACL NY/SC Hosts Youth Summit “A Seat at the Table: Having a Voice in the Discussion on Racism in America”
Washington D.C. – On Saturday November 8th, a number of students and young professionals took part in a youth summit hosted by the JACL National Youth/Student Council (JACL NY/SC) held at George Washington University in Washington D.C.
Themed “A Seat at the Table: Having a Voice in the Discussion on Racism in America,” the summit began with introductions and an icebreaker led by JACL National Youth Representative Michelle Yamashiro. The morning workshop focused on identifying the causes and real-world consequences of Asian and Japanese American stereotypes. After lunch and a financial planning presentation by Ms. Anh Nguyen of event sponsor State Farm, JACL NY/SC Board Members Kota Mizutani and Emi Kamemoto moderated a panel discussion featuring Ms. Rita Pin Ahrens of the South Asian Resource Center (SEARAC), Mr. Corey Saylor from the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Mr. Hilary Shelton of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Ms. Carmen Ye of the Conference of Asian-Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL). The panel discussion and subsequent small-group session revolved around advancing issues through coalition building. The speakers, facilitators, and participants then discussed strategies to engage dissimilar, uninformed, or apathetic individuals or groups as allies, and ways youth can become stronger advocates for their causes and communities.
JACL would like to thank Ms. Rita Pin Ahrens, Mr. Corey Saylor, Mr. Hilary Shelton, Ms. Carmen Ye, and all of the students and young professionals in attendance for their contributions and participation. JACL would also like to thank Ms. Ahn Nguyen for her presentation and State Farm for their continued support. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge JACL NY/SC Members Kota Mizutani and Emi Kamemoto for planning and leading the youth summit, and also recognize JACL National Youth Representative Michelle Yamashiro, JACL Pacific Southwest Regional Director Stephanie Nitahara, and JACL EDC District Governor Michelle Amano for their attendance and contributions to the event as well.
