The Lancaster Asian American and Pacific Islanders (LAAPI) began with a group of Asian Americans searching for a larger community. According to Brian Nguyen, Communications chair of LAAPI, says the organization began post pandemic after the Atlanta, Georgia shootings.

“There was a pressing need to amplify AAPI voices and foster connections and wanting to at least celebrate our identities and the contributions that the Asian community has and not just have these stereotypes of us out there about us spreading COVID to being only good at math and just being very docile and quiet behind closed doors.”

LAAPI evolved into a large community gathering and brought the first ever Lunar New Year in 2023.

“I remember, at least for me personally, I cried when we were in that space because one, it was after the shooting and we were really nervous and we didn't know what the turnout will be, but we received a lot of messages of support and wanting us to push forward with it. And the overwhelming public response to this event led to the formal establishment of us as an organization.”

Listen to the podcast to hear more about LAAPI.

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