Fil-Am delegates at DNC: Harris represents hope for immigrants

Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz on Day 4 at the DNC Thursday. CONTRIBUTED

CHICAGO – Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination was “a powerful symbol of representation and hope” for all immigrants, including Filipino Americans, according to the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz (FAFHW).

“Filipino Americans see in her a reflection of their own experiences, aspirations and the journey of immigrant families striving for a better future,” FAFHW said in a statement.

“In the iconic words of Vice President Kamala Harris, ‘You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.’”

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

This message is particularly poignant For Filipino Americans, whose history is deeply intertwined with both the Philippines and the United States, FAFHW said.

“It acknowledges the sacrifices and contributions of those who came before us while calling on the current generation to step up and lead, shaping what comes next,” the group added.

Accepting the presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention (DNC),  Harris laid out her vision for America, saying, “I see an America where we hold fast to the fearless belief that built our nation. That inspired the world.

That here, in this country, anything is possible. Nothing is out of reach. An America, where we care for one another, look out for one another, and recognize that we have so much more in common than what separates us. That none of us has to fail for all of us to succeed. And that, in unity, there is strength.”

Embracing Filipino roots

Before heading to the United Center one last time to witness Harris make history at the DNC, the Fil-Am delegates began the day with a private tour of the rarely seen Philippines Collection at the Field Museum.

FAFHW said the experience “underscored the importance of understanding and honoring our roots as we build toward the future.”

Led by FAFHW volunteer and Field Museum Learning Resources Educator Ria Pretekin, the tour of the Philippines Collection, currently not on public display, highlighted over 13,000 artifacts, approximately 75 percent of which were gathered during anthropological field expeditions between 1907 and 1910.

The collection includes items donated by US soldiers who served in the Philippine-American War, showcasing the deep and complex history that Filipino Americans share with the United States.

“The tour was a powerful way to ground the day in a sense of heritage and cultural pride, setting the tone for what was to come,” FAFHW said.

As the day progressed, the focus shifted from reflecting on the past to embracing the future. The evening culminated in a historic moment as  the vice president accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first Black woman and the first South Asian American woman to do so.

Throughout the convention, FAFHW played a vital role in organizing Filipino American delegates and volunteers, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the participants.

FAFHW is now refocusing its efforts post-convention on expanding its national organizing through four regional chairs (West, Midwest, East and Texas), ensuring that Fil-Am voices are not only heard, but also serve as a driving force in shaping America’s future.

“The shared passion for the Filipino American community and FAFHW’s mission has forged connections that will last long beyond this convention,” FAFHW said.

With less than 75 days remaining until the election, Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz has called on community members to volunteer and help ensure “our voices are represented as we chart the course for the next chapter of America’s story.”

To join the FAFHW volunteer team, click here.