On May 2nd, 2022, SAAPRI attended the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Chicago Community Kick-Off hosted by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Office at Chicago Cultural Center. SAAPRI was able to connect with like-minded advocates who work to foster awareness and address…
South Asian American Community Roundtable with Geri Aglipay
On April 19th, 2022, SAAPRI hosted a private invitation-only community roundtable event at SAAPRI Board Member Susan Patel’s venue, Urban Convene at 2711 West Peterson Avenue, on the north side of Chicago. The event aimed to celebrate the historic appointment…
2021 Impact Report: Reflecting on 2021 and Looking to 2022
The Obama Portraits Tour
On July 2nd, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other city and community leaders in a viewing of the Obama Portraits, organized by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and in collaboration with The Art Institute…
SAAPRI welcomes new Board Member, Anita Banerji
In June 2021, SAAPRI’s Board of Directors welcomed Anita Banerji as a new SAAPRI board member! Anita Banerji is currently a consultant to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Education Fund, a national nonprofit organization. Formerly, as Forefront’s…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discusses growth and problems of Chicago Asian population on WBEZ
On April 30th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discussed the growth of the Asian population in the state as well as the many challenges facing the community. [I have witnessed] “a wide range of increasing needs and challenges facing…
Statement on Atlanta shootings
SAAPRI VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS MURDERS OF ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN ATLANTA Stop AAPI Hate: Together, we must work to stand in solidarity and stop AAPI hate and all hate crimes against people of color. On Tuesday, March 16th, six Asian American…
Statement on Anti-Asian hate crimes
In light of recent attacks against Asian Americans, SAAPRI stands in solidarity with Asian Americans and all people of color, and against all hate crimes. Since the onset of COVID-19 and throughout the pandemic, the US has seen a rise…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined 2021 Inauguration Day Celebrations on WGN-TV
In January of 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined the 2021 Inauguration Day celebrations virtually on WGN-TV, including the South Asian American community’s voice on the historical day. The 2020 General Election definitely confirmed one thing – Every single…
