The Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia convened on June 25, 2025, to address critical issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in California. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges of racism, hate, and xenophobia, particularly in the context of legal assistance and community support.

The session began with a presentation from representatives of AJ SoCal, an organization dedicated to providing legal assistance in eight different Asian languages. They emphasized the importance of accessible legal resources for individuals who may struggle to find help in their native languages. The organization has a long history of advocacy, having represented groups such as the Almonte Thai garment workers and provided disaster relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A significant focus of the discussion was the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims Fund, which was established to support those affected by a mass shooting two years prior. This fund collected and distributed cash assistance to victims, underscoring the community's resilience in the face of tragedy.

The representatives also addressed the historical context of their work, referencing the murder of Vincent Chin in 1982, a pivotal moment that galvanized the AAPI community against racism. They pointed out that combating stereotypes and the model minority myth remains a central challenge. The narrative that all AAPI individuals are successful professionals often obscures the real struggles faced by many within the community, including harassment and exploitation.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for greater awareness and support for the AAPI community, emphasizing the need to recognize the diversity of experiences within the group. The representatives urged the committee to consider these complexities in their ongoing efforts to combat racism and xenophobia in California.

Overall, the meeting served as a crucial platform for discussing the intersection of legal rights, community support, and the persistent challenges of discrimination faced by the AAPI community.