Episode Description: Georgia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are growing — and so is their political influence. Michelle speaks with AAPI advocates, elected officials, and journalists about representation, civic engagement, and the power of storytelling in shaping Georgia’s political landscape.

Notes: Learn more about the advocates, officials, and journalists interviewed below:

Segment 1: Activism Old and New

• Lani Wong – Chair & Founding Member, National Association of Chinese Americans

Bio: https://www.naca-atlanta.org/team/lani-wong/

Lani Wong has been a tireless advocate for Georgia’s growing AAPI community for well over 40 years. She is regarded around the US as one of the foremost AAPI advocates in the entire country. Her work has been an integral part of the AAPI community’s increased political participation in Georgia that we see today. Lani was appointed to the Asian-American Commission for a New Georgia and the Georgia Human Relations Commission by Governor Roy Barnes, was made chair of the first Georgia Commission on Asian-American Affairs by Governor Sunny Purdue, and served under Atlanta Mayors Kasim Reed and Shirley Franklin.

Segment 2: AAPI Voices Under the Gold Dome

• Rep. Sam Park – Representative, Georgia State House of Representatives, HD 107

Bio: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/park-sam-4901.pdf

Representative Sam Park has served in the Georgia State Legislature since 2017. He currently serves as the House of Representatives Minority Whip. In his time under the Gold Dome, Whip Park has introduced comprehensive civil rights legislation, co-sponsored legislation to expand Medicaid in Georgia and defeated discriminatory legislation targeted at minority communities. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judicial, Ethics, Higher Education, Industry and Labor, Intragovernmental Coordination and Technology & Infrastructure Innovation committees, as well as an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee.

• Rep. Long Tran – Representative, Georgia State House of Representatives, HD 80

Bio: Representative Long Tran has served in the Georgia State Legislature since 2023. Long is the son of Vietnamese refugees and is a small business owner of the beloved Peachy Corners Cafe. He is one of the most outspoken voices at the Capitol for the AAPI community against discriminatory legislation, and a champion for small businesses. He serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment Natural Resources & Environment Technology and Infrastructure Innovation.

Segment 3 - Representation Through Reporting

• Li Wong – Founder, CEO & Publisher, Georgia Asian Times

Bio: Li Wong is the founder of Georgia Asian Times and a pioneer of Georgia’s AAPI Community. Georgia Asian Times is the largest digital news media outlet that covers Georgia’s diverse AAPI community. Beyond their extensive coverage of the AAPI community, Georgia Asian Times covers finance, health, lifestyles, food, arts, entertainment, and events. In addition, they consistently host enlightening conversations with local and state officials, electeds, and community leaders to provide Georgians with more insight into the goings-on of their state.