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5/20/2026
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Senators Gu and Ujifusa host Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration at State House
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 STATE HOUSE — Sens. Linda Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), the first Asian Americans elected to the Rhode Island state legislature, gathered community leaders from across Rhode Island for a celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at the State House Tuesday.
The event was both a celebration of the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement and remarkable contributions of these communities in Rhode Island and a time for Senators Ujifusa and Gu to highlight resources and organizations working to help AANHPI immigrants navigate these challenging times.
“In a time when the world is becoming increasingly hostile to immigrants, it is essential to celebrate the achievements of the AANHPI immigrants whose contributions have made Rhode Island a vibrant, diverse and thriving community for people of all backgrounds and to uplift the organizations and individuals in our state who continue to work hard to keep Rhode Island a safe, welcoming home for immigrants and refugees in need from around the globe,” the Senators said in a joint statement.
Dr. Robert George Lee, associate professor emeritus in the Brown University Department of American Studies, delivered the keynote speech entitled “Beyond the Model Minority Myth: Asians and Pacific Islanders in America.”
The Acadia Center’s Rhode Island Program Director Emily Koo, whose Chinese father immigrated to the United State from Malaysia in 1972, emceed the event.
The event featured a dance performance of Fon Ouy Phone Pimai or the New Year Wishing Dance, by Miss Lao New Year 2019 Olivia Vongsomphou, who is a performer and dance instructor at Wat Lao Buddhovath of Rhode Island.
Senators Ujifusa and Gu also honored the efforts of a series of organizations:
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The Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR), represented by Executive Director Catarina Lorenzo and Deportation Defense Organizer Sophi de los Reyes, for its work advocating for immigrants and refugees throughout Rhode Island through education, mutual aid and rapid response networks.
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The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, represented by Executive Director Steven Brown, Policy Associate Madalyn McGunagle and Communications Associate Zoe Chakoian, for its work to uphold and protect the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, regardless of immigration status.
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Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, represented by Secretary James R. Jahnz and Immigration and Refugee Services Coordinator Nancy Gonzalez, for offering critical legal assistance to immigrants navigating the immigration system and supporting resettlement.
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Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, represented by CEO Milagro Sique, for providing wraparound services to immigrants and refugees, including immigration legal services, refugee resettlement, education and training and clothing and household needs.
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Immigrant Coalition of Rhode Island, represented by Coordinator Juan Pablo Ocampo Sheen, for playing a key role in helping immigrant families, including Asian communities, through outreach, coordination and advocacy.
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The Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island, represented by Chief Legal Counsel Amy Romero, for helping immigrant individuals and families navigate complex legal systems, understand their rights and obtain representation they otherwise could not afford through pro bono attorneys and legal education.
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Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), represented by Youth Engagement Director Suonriaksmay Keo and Deportation Defense Organizer Jenni Nguyen, for empowering people from immigrant backgrounds to not only advocate for their communities but organize and fight for policy change that directly affects their lives.
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The Rhode Island Center for Justice, represented by Executive Director Jennifer Wood, for providing legal representation to address the most pressing needs of low-income people in our state, including wage justice, tenant advocacy, utility shutoffs, as well as immigrant protections.
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Roger Williams University Immigration Clinic, represented by Director and Clinical Professor of Law Deborah Gonzalez and students Karen Perez and Eduarda Moura, for representing indigent immigrants in Rhode Island who are seeking residence in or defending against removal from this country.
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Sojourner House, represented by President and CEO Vanessa Volz, for serving survivors of abuse during times of crisis, including many immigrant women and families who face additional barriers such as language, legal status and isolation.
IN PHOTO: Celebration participants gather for a photo in the State House after the event.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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