JoyLandFoundation

AAPI Advocacy

Advocacy

My work in AAPI advocacy focuses on increasing awareness of Asian American history and challenging misconceptions about Asian Americans.

01

May 10: Chinese Railroad Worker Day

Advocate & OrganizerNew York State

Chinese workers helped build the Transcontinental Railroad, but their contributions had not received the recognition they deserved. I advocated for New York State to recognize May 10 as Chinese Railroad Worker Day.

I collected more than 1,000 petition signatures through door-to-door outreach, community conversations, and a Change.org petition. I later traveled to Albany to witness the resolution process, and helped organize exhibitions on the history of Chinese railroad workers.

This work was recognized by New York State Senator John Liu.

How signatures were gathered

  • Door-to-door outreach
  • Community conversations
  • Change.org petition
Joy at a New York State Assembly podium in front of the Chinese railroad workers exhibition in Albany
Joy and supporters holding May 10 signs at the Chinese railroad workers exhibition
1,000+
petition signatures
02

AAPI History in the K–12 Curriculum

Focus Group MemberNew York State

Through a statewide youth focus group, I worked with students from across New York State to advocate for including AAPI history in the K–12 curriculum.

I also created a research project examining a common misconception about Asian Americans — where these ideas come from and how they affect the way Asian Americans are viewed — and helped organize cultural education initiatives.

Photo — focus group

Advocacy can begin with education. Learning about histories that are often overlooked can challenge assumptions and create a more complete understanding of American history.

— Joy He