HOUSTON, TX (JULY 30, 2024) – The inaugural Houston AAPI Convention (Convention) was held on July 27, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis Houston, bringing together a diverse group of leaders, advocates, and community members to celebrate and advance the interests of Houston’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The landmark event attracted and featured an array of influential speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
Organized by the City of Houston Mayor’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board (Board) and held concurrently with the 2024 Leadership Convention by National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), the Houston AAPI Convention addressed critical issues, empowered advocacy, and enabled progress. The event’s theme, “Uplifting AAPI, Uniting Communities,” underscored the importance of not only highlighting the achievements and contributions of AAPI individuals and groups across various sectors but also strengthening bonds of solidarity and unity.
The convention opened with a presentation of a letter from President Joe Biden by Judith Teruya, Senior Advisor for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). Following the opening ceremony, attendees engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions that covered a wide range of topics, such as public service, healthcare, justice, and education, and featured experts such as Congressman Al Green, Representative Suleman Lalani, film director Bao Nguyen, and leading Houston television journalists. Participants also benefited from ample networking opportunities, which fostered connections among AAPI leaders and allies. The event culminated in a special AAPI Unity Gala with Keynote Address by Mayor John Whitmire, who acknowledge the important role AAPI Community in the City of Houston and highlighted the plans of his administration with the major inclusion of AAPI Community. The Gala Also recognizes outstanding individuals for their contributions to the AAPI community. Awardees included businessman and philanthropist Syed Javaid Anwar, who received the “Houston AAPI Legacy Award” on Lifetime Achievements.
According to Board Chairman Nomaan Husain, “Through the event, we were able to demonstrate how important the AAPI community is to Houston’s economic vitality and cultural fabric & we look forward to building on the momentum generated by this groundbreaking gathering.”
Chair Convention Committee Muhammad Saeed Sheikh called this a milestone, as never before any of such kind of event ever organized in the City of Houston. He lauded this achievement is only due to the hard work of the entire team and NAAAP collaboration.
The success of the first-ever Houston AAPI Convention paves the way for future events that will continue to champion AAPI causes and promote inclusivity. Follow the work of the Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board to keep apprised of future programming.
The City of Houston Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Board was established to help forge stronger connections between the City and its diverse communities. The board has three main goals: (i) increase engagement with the City of Houston; (ii) identify and recommend community leaders to serve on city panels; and (iii) work with law enforcement to identify crime issues that impact businesses. Follow the AAPI Advisory Board at www.houstonaapiconvention.org or on LinkedIn at Houston Mayor’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board.
