Asian American Advocacy Day 2026

Asian American Advocacy Day Draws Dozens to Raleigh, Highlighting Growing Civic Power

RALEIGH, NC, April 29, 2026 — North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) and its advocacy arm, NCAAT in Action, convened more than 60 community members for legislative meetings at the North Carolina General Assembly today for Asian American Advocacy Day, marking a decade of building civic power among one of the state’s fastest-growing communities.

Participants held close to 50 meetings with legislators and engaged in a meet-and-greet with policymakers.

“Participation is not symbolic – it is decisive,” said Phuong Tran, Senior Director of Communications for NCAAT. “In North Carolina, where elections are often decided by razor-thin margins, ensuring every eligible voter can participate clearly and confidently is essential.”

Asian Americans now number more than 400,000 across North Carolina, yet lawmakers emphasized that growth has not always translated into visibility, access, or protection.

“We are not guests. We are North Carolinians,” said Senator Jay Chaudhuri. “And yet we know that our community has been targeted… When hate crimes run rampant, the damage extends far beyond the immediate victims.” Chaudhuri called for renewed support for hate crime protections, citing gaps in reporting and accountability.

“This week, because of your advocacy, we’ve been able to secure a commitment to protect access to health care for vulnerable North Carolinians,” said Senator Mujtaba Mohammed. “It’s the power of the people that restores balance to our government.”

Following weeks of negotiations, lawmakers moved to address a Medicaid funding shortfall that had threatened coverage for tens of thousands of North Carolinians, particularly children and pregnant women.

“Every eligible voter in North Carolina deserves to know they can cast their ballot in a free and fair election without fear of intimidation,” said Representative Robert Reives II. “Your vote is your voice.” Reives also pointed to housing affordability as critical to building stable communities.

Other legislators emphasized the broader stakes of the current political moment. Representative Maria Cervania highlighted how decisions made at the state level are shaping families’ access to health care, education, and economic opportunity, while Representative Ya Liu pointed to growing demand for Asian American history in schools and the importance of representation in education.

Participants – including many first-time advocates – met directly with lawmakers to share personal stories and policy priorities.

Yu-Lin Amy Lee, a palliative medical specialist, said as a self-identified introvert, she has a hard time speaking up. “I had to push my comfort zone,” she said of the meeting NCAAT arranged for her with legislators, “But little ripples make big changes.” She shared in her meeting about the risk her patients face with proposed Medicaid cuts. “It is not hyperbole to say that my patients will die without Medicaid,” said Lee.

The Advocacy Day marked NCAAT’s 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the organization has built a multilingual, statewide infrastructure for civic engagement – reaching voters in more than a dozen languages, registering first-time voters, and training a pipeline of young leaders.

“Ten years ago, our communities were often invisible in policy spaces,” said Shruti Parikh, NCAAT’s Director of Education and Political Engagement. “Today, we are organized, engaged, and shaping the future of this state. Advocacy Day is not simply a moment, but rather the reflection of a movement.”

As North Carolina continues to grow, organizers emphasized how sustained engagement – not just turnout during election cycles – will be critical.

Lee, the first-time lobbyist, said her first time felt big and overwhelming. “Next year will be better.”

Phuong Tran Senior Director of Communications North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) [email protected] | 919-244-2932