Moorestown Student Participating In Asian American Heritage Event

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A Moorestown High School junior who has been working to lift up the voices of Asian Americans will participate in a virtual town hall sponsored by Rep. Andy Kim Wednesday morning, the congressman’s office announced.

Luna Ding is among a group of youth activists who will participate in an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Town Hall at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to Kim’s Office.

The town hall will focus on efforts to address an increase in hate crimes against the AAPI community. Ding is one of three youth activists who will participate. The others include:

• Eesha Shrivastava, a Senior at Northern Burlington County High School and Co-founder of the Not in Our Town initiative in Chesterfield Schools to combat hate, racism, and bullying, and to build safe, inclusive communities for all; and
• Mateo Guarin a student at Toms River South High School who was recognized by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights for creating an anti-hate video that you can view by clicking here.

“This Heritage Month means more than ever as we face down hatred and violence,” Kim said. “We’ve seen young people lead the charge against that hate, and I’m proud to be joined by our youth leaders from Burlington and Ocean counties to give voice to those who need to be heard. I hope everyone from across our communities – not just AAPIs – can join us and take part in this conversation.”

Residents of Burlington and Ocean Counties can sign up for the AAPI History Month town hall by clicking here.

In New Jersey, Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group, comprising 10 percent of the state’s population and ranking third in population, Kim said. Nationwide, Asians represent more than 30 ethnicities, with a diverse community of rich cultures with distinct traditions, unique languages, and histories.

Kim is the first AAPI member of Congress from New Jersey and the first Korean American Democrat to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Last week, he attended the White House signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a bill he championed that addresses the rise in hate crimes and violence against the AAPI community.