New AAJC director and former State Senator Mee Moua, left, and Karen K. Narasaki, stepping down after 20 years.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 24, 2012) — Former State Senator Mee Moua is set to become the president and executive director the Asian American Justice Center, of one of the nation’s premier civil rights organizations.

AAJC announced this week that on March 19, Moua will succeed Karen K. Narasaki, who announced in June she is stepping down after 20 years of service.

“Mee already has an impressive record as a strong civil rights advocate,” said Narasaki. “Her tremendous experience, insight, passion and outstanding reputation make her a wonderful choice to lead an organization that has become so important to ensuring the voices of the nation’s growing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are heard.”

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WASHINGTON (Jan. 23, 2012) — At the invitation of Vice President Joseph Biden, Vice President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China will visit the White House on Feb. 14.

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The Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans is currently seeking a diverse collection of nomination submissions for its 2012 Annual Leadership Awards.

This is the time for community members to nominate and recognize one of their own. Please help to honor an outstanding business owner, leader, organization, volunteer who has given themselves, their talents and resources to serve and better the Asian-Pacific community.

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The Slants founding member Simon Young stands in front of some rad looking military vehicles on a NATO base in Kosovo, Republica Srpska, Bosnia And Herzegovina.

Portland, Ore. (Jan. 18, 2012) — Hardened rock-n-roll veterans The Slants took their electrifying stage show all the way to Eastern Europe for a holiday tour of multinational military bases.

The Portland, Oregon-based rock group entertained troops over the New Years holiday at Camp Butmir NATO base in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and then in Kosovo at Camp Bondsteel U.S. Army base and Film City NATO base in Pristina.

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LOS ANGELES – The Asian Pacific American Legal Center, a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, has submitted to the Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission a citywide redistricting plan that keeps the city’s Asian American neighborhoods intact within specific districts.

The city is in the process of redrawing its electoral lines to balance out population based on the 2010 census. The commission – which is tasked with redrawing the map – has taken public testimony and public mapping proposals in order to gather input.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 19, 2012) — Following a series of high-profile hazing incidents endured by members of the United States Armed Services, CAPAC Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32) along with 12 other Members of Congress sent a letter Friday to the House Armed Services Committee and House Oversight and Government Reform Committees requesting a hearing on the military’s hazing and harassment prevention polities.

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Ben Cayetano

HONOLULU (Jan. 18, 2012) — Former Hawai‘i Governor Ben Cayetano announced his candidacy for the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu in this year’s upcoming election.

In a press conference Wednesday, Cayetano spoke of his desire to end the Honolulu rail project as the motivation for coming out of retirement to run for Honolulu’s top job.

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The City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program is seeking applicants for the 2012 loan and grant funding cycle.

This year’s program kicks off with an application workshop on February 8, 2012 where information about the 2012 Neighborhood STAR Program will be presented. The Neighborhood STAR Program awards loans and grants over $5,000 through an annual competitive application process.

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By SAW YAN NAING

(Jan. 12, 2012) — After more than six decades of uninterrupted armed resistance to Burmese rule, the leaders of the Karen National Union, Burma’s oldest ethnic armed group, have signed a ceasefire agreement with the government.

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, exactly 109 years after the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate January 13th as Korean American Day:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chairwoman: “The story of America is one of immigrants making this country their own and moving our nation forward through their invaluable contributions.  The Korean American community is a perfect example of that ideal.  From the first arrivals in 1903 to the present, Korean Americans have come to play pivotal roles in so many aspects of American life.  From business to the arts, academia to our armed services, Korean Americans have left an indelible mark on this country, and I’m proud to have the opportunity to celebrate their impact today.”

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