Dec 9, 2016 by -

Fast Forward 2060: looking forward to the future legacy of AAPIs

WASHINGTON D.C. — Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are now the fastest growing racial group in the U.S., according to multiple studies.

Today’s 20 million AAPI’s are expected to grow more than double to about 50 million in 2060.

In Washington D.C., “Fast Forward 2060” was a free grassroots event and pop-up exhibit on December 7, which celebrated the many great strides of the AAPI community under President Obama’s administration and beyond, as they look forward to the year 2060.

“[One of] President Obama’s first acts is to sign the Filipino veterans compensation fund into law,” said Ben De Guzman, a Fil-Am community leader. “So on one hand, it’s looking back and appreciating all the progress that’s been made, and at the same time we’re looking forward — Fast Forward 2060.”

“We’re working our hardest to protect each other and to make sure all the progress that has been made in the last 8 years,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-New York). “For example, the Obama administration; that they don’t fall off our radar. We are making sure that we’re keeping up that momentum.”

Fast Forward 2060 organizers believe the AAPI community should build on this progress in anticipation of this community’s explosive growth.

“We have so many unique needs; from education and immigration, health, civil rights,” said Rebecca Lee, from the White House Initiative on AAPI. “I hope that we do make progress on those issues, and the country as whole recognizes us [AAPIs] as a community that’s strong, and that needs to be recognized.”

Filipino-American grassroots members are hoping that the incoming Trump administration will continue the White House Initiatives on AAPI.

“I want to believe that President Trump will understand that he is intended to be the President for all Americans, including Asian Americans and Filipino-Americans,” said Maria Etcubanez, from Asian-Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). “I am not certain that things will continue… the way they did under the Obama administration. We have to speak up and fight for the gains we have made, and to look out for our community.”

Etchbanez said she hopes for Asian American media professionals to wisely use their platforms as “a bullhorn to push for change.”

Myx TV’s Miguel Santos says Asian American media companies need to be more involved in the AAPI community beyond just entertainment, and provide a wide-reaching platform to get issues as well as information out to the greater community…

“So the main take away, really, is we should be more involved — and it’s fantastic to have forums like these that actually get people together… to come and talk about issues, and hopefully come up with solutions for our problems in the future,” Santos said.

Santos added that Mtx TV could play a big role in the AAPI community, as they look forward and beyond 2060.

“I think Myx TV’s role is really continue to do what we do, which is be a platform for Asian Americans in entertainment. And I think there’s not enough out there. We’re the only one right now that exists on linear to actually feature Asian American talents.”

He says overall, media is on the right track.

by Steve Angeles - Dec 9, 2016

by Henni Espinosa - Dec 9, 2016
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  • Mario
    13 December 2016 at 11:13 am - Reply

    Trump chain of Hotels all over the world, especially in the Middle East, employs mostly Filipinos at their Housekeeping and maintenance department. Filipino bands entertain hotel guest at the lobby and bars.Yet, majority of the Pinoys voted for Hillary, who never created jobs for the Pinoys.

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