Assemblymember Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, Murray Hill) and Assemblymember Yuh-Lin Niou (D-Manhattan) announced last week that Christopher Kui will become the first Executive Director for the newly formed Asian Pacific American Task Force.
The Asian Pacific American Task Force is the first legislative body to advocate primarily for Asian Pacific Americans in New York state.
After 25 years at Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), Kui tackled fair housing, tenant and landlord counseling, home ownership programs and small business growth. He also increased social services and lead programs aimed at immigrant communities.
As Executive Director, Kui said he will use his previous experience as Executive Director for Asian Americans for Equality to advocate major issues affecting New York’s diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
“This is the first state legislative body to focus exclusively on the issues that affect New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and it stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of Assemblymembers Kim and Niou to create a platform through which our voices can be heard. I promise to do all that I can in working with the members of the task force and communities across our state to advocate on the laws and policies that directly impact the lives of Asian Pacific Americans,” said Kui.
Kim, the first and only Korean-American elected to the New York state legislature, co-chairs the Asian Pacific American Task Force alongside Niou. Kim said he is a longtime colleague of Kui.
“He has devoted his entire career serving our communities and will have an essential role in the future development of our task force. Christopher has consistently championed the issues that strike at the heart of the Asian Pacific American community, and I know he will continue to do so in this new position,” said Kim.
Niou thanked Kim and members of the Task Force working to ensure seats for Asian Pacific Americans. She said Christopher has an incredible track record as a leader and as an advocate.
“As Executive Director of the Task Force, Christopher will be working closely with myself, Assemblyman Kim, the other Task Force members to shape an agenda that will uplift Asian Pacific American communities across our State. Christopher’s steadfast commitment to Asian Pacific American New Yorkers and immigrants will help us to build a more equitable New York and give a stronger voice to Asian Pacific Americans,” said Niou.
