On October 24th, 2022, SAAPRI’s Executive Shobhana Verma represented SAAPRI at the White House Diwali Reception hosted by President Biden and the First Lady, Dr. Biden. Also present at tht reception was Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black, South…
Statement on hate crime in Plano
On August 25th, 2022, Plano police detectives arrested Esmeralda Upton of Plano after video was shared that shows her yelling racial slurs, etc. to a group of women the day prior. Go back to India. You curry <expletive> people are ruining…
Birth of New Nations: Celebrating 75 years of Indian independence
On August 13th, 2022 in Warren Park, SAAPRI collaborated with the Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts Inc, South Asian Classical Music Society, and the South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois to celebrate 75 years of Indian and Pakistani Independence with…
Domestic Violence in the South Asian Community
The deaths of Sania Khan (July 21st, 2022) and Mandeep Kaur (August 4th, 2022) highlight the prevalent issue of domestic violence in the South Asian American community. See resources and read more about the experiences of these women and domestic…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma appointed to Asian American Family Commission
On June 10th, 2022, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma was one of three new appointees to the Asian American Family Commission. The Asian American Family Commission was first established in 2019 under legislation introduced by Senator Villivalam and State Rep.…
Our Stories: Teaching Asian American History in Illinois
On May 4th, 2022, SAAPRI hosted a virtual zoom event centered on discussions about teaching Asian American history in Illinois. In July 2021, Illinois became the first state to mandate the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act, which…
2022 Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration: Community Kick-off at Chicago Cultural Center
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…