APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force Launches Art Contest for High Schoolers "This is Where I Belong"

Redistricting is where power lies. It happens every 10 years after the decennial census.  The 2020 Redistricting Cycle has begun! To engage youth on why redistricting is important, APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force is launching an Art Contest for high schoolers living in Manhattan, Queens, and  Brooklyn. Prizes will be awarded in each of these boroughs: $750-lst Prize; $250-2nd Prize; $100-3rd Prize. The Voting Rights Act requires majority APA districts to be drawn where possible. To be stronger advocates  for educational equity, language access, fair immigration policies, affordable housing, and public safety, Asian Americans communities with shared interests should be kept in the same district.  How districts are drawn determine which candidates run and which voters can vote for them.  

"Redistricting impacts high schoolers. Who is elected  impacts funds for education, youth development, and summer employment. " - Ramdat Singh, Director of Civic Engagement, Caribbean Equality Project 

"Through art, we can share the rich history and culture of Asian Americans in the US, our resilience in building safe and healthy communities, and our role in the fight for equality with other  disadvantaged groups.  Let's see young people tell their stories and hopes for AAPI communities to fair representation and access to resources." - Asian Americans For Equality Co-Exec.  Directors Jennifer Sun & Thomas Yu.

"Since time immemorial, art has been a catalyst for social and political change. The visual artwork from youth will uplift the Task Force's resounding message -keep our communities whole." -Aminta Kilawan-Narine, Founder and Director, South Queens Women's March.  

"It is important to reach young people by giving them multiple platforms to show we belong and that our communities deserve to be fairly represented in redistricting". - Brianna Cea, President, OCA-NY.

APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force Art Contest Committee:  Asian Americans for Equality, Caribbean Equality Project, OCA-NY, and South Queens Women's March.  All 15 member groups will judge the contest.  Winners will be announced in July.