As part of this year’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the White House will honor Champions of Change for AAPI Art and Storytelling who have raised the visibility of diverse AAPI experiences and created dialogue around issues the community faces.

Artists and advocates, through their unique channels and distinct platforms, have played a critical role in telling powerful stories, increasing awareness around key AAPI issues, and encouraging diversity and inclusion in all sectors of society. The Champions of Change program honors individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.

Nominees may include:

• Storytellers who have included and continue to include AAPI characters in their films, television shows, and literature to address pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more;
• Poets and spoken word artists who highlight AAPI experiences in their work in order to advance pressing issues, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more;
• Musicians who use music as a tool to bring national attention to issues facing the AAPI community, including immigration, civil rights, economic opportunity, health, diversity and inclusion, and more.

Please check out our Call for Nominations Blog for instructions on nominating a leader in your community. Nominate a Champion of Change by midnight on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. Be sure to select “AAPI Art and Storytelling” as your “Theme of Service” on the nomination form. Please don’t hesitate to contact WhiteHouseAAPI@ed.gov with subject line “Champions of Change” if you have any questions.

Source: WHIAAPI