Following are some reactions from community organizations to Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election.

Little Tokyo Service Center:“We woke up this morning to big change and uncertainty. And while our hearts sank as reality set in, we got out of bed and got to work. Because over the past 44 years, while presidents and policies have changed, LTSC’s mission and values have not. We know who we are, why we’re here, and what we aim to achieve.

“While we might not know exactly what impact the election results will have, we DO know that our staff, our partners and our community are strong, resilient, intelligent, compassionate, and just. So while the next few days (or weeks, or months) might be emotionally challenging, we will continue to serve our clients and our community with renewed urgency. We promise to keep making our corner of the world a better place. And we hope to do it together, with you.

“Our office mantra today is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ On days like today, it can feel like progress has been lost. But the arc Dr. King referred to was made to bend by everyday people like us. So while we may need to rest and regroup along the way, we’ll dig into the work, knowing that, together, we’re bending that arc a little bit more towards justice every day.

“Thank you for supporting LTSC through thick and thin. Please treat yourself and your loved ones with extra tenderness and grace as we collectively navigate this tumultuous time and rededicate ourselves to the work at hand.”

Asian Americans Advancing Justice:“Last night, Donald J. Trump was reelected as the president of the United States. As an affiliation of civil rights organizations, we recognize that this result may evoke strong feelings, in the communities we serve and the partners we work with.

“Considering the harmful rhetoric expressed by his campaign, and the lasting impact of his previous administration, we remain steadfast in our work with and for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. We will continue to protect immigrant communities, fight voter suppression, and stand up against hate and discrimination.

“In the face of suppression, intimidation, and language barriers, our communities mobilized to ensure that AANHPI voices were heard at each level of the elections. And we will continue to be vocal about the rights and dignity of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

“With this new administration, Asian Americans Advancing Justice will:

• Fight for the rights of immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, and all communities of color.
• Demand lawmakers practice humane immigration policies, expand Asian-language access, eliminate hate and bigotry.
• Advance human rights by defending the civil liberties of AANHPIs, women, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities, and all communities of color.
• Fight for a society that is respectful and equitable for all Americans.

“Election Day may be behind us, but our work is more urgent than ever. Together, we will swiftly respond to this rapidly changing environment.

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliated organizations are Advancing Justice–AAJC, AJSoCal, Advancing Justice–Chicago, and Advancing Justice–Atlanta.”

East West Players:“We are deeply disheartened by the reelection of Donald Trump as president given his history of rhetoric and policies that have perpetuated harm and fear within the Asian American community and in communities of color. In times like these, our work becomes even more vital.

“As we process this news, East West Players reaffirms our mission with renewed purpose. We acknowledge the difficulties ahead, but this moment fuels our determination to create and protect spaces that uplift our voices, celebrate our stories, and strengthen our communities.

“Our resolve is unwavering. Join us as we continue to fight for a world where every story matters and every voice is heard.

“To conclude this statement, we want to offer this quote from the former representative of Hawaii’s 2nd District and the first woman of color in Congress, Patsy Mink, the subject of our 2024-2025 Theatre for Youth production ‘Patsy’: ‘We have to build things that we want to see accomplished, in life and in our country, based on our own personal experiences to make sure that others do not have to suffer the same discrimination.’”

Minami Tamaki LLP, San Francisco: “Americans have decided who will govern us for the next four years and Minami Tamaki LLP will Reactions be prepared for the new leadership of our country.

“Many of our attorneys are veterans of advocating against policies of the first Trump Administration, but we understand that the next four years will not simply be a rerun of the previous government. We expect the challenges to be magnified and daunting. We believe in our abilities to meet these challenges while standing firm in our values.

“Our firm is deeply rooted in fighting for justice. We will continue to stand up for the injured, advocate for consumers and employees, and guide those who need help with immigration issues. We value and honor the trust that our clients put in us and will work tirelessly on their behalf.

“Now more than ever, all of us at Minami Tamaki LLP will continue embracing our firm’s foundation and legacy of fairness, equality, and community.

“Dr. King reminds us that the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice. But it won’t bend without us. Let’s again push forward together.”

Ligaya Domingo, president, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFLCIO:“The events of the past week have shaken all of us to our core. It will take some time to fully understand how this happened, but I can tell you that I am so proud of the work APALA members put into this election. So many of you volunteered with APALA and your labor bodies – and reports are that union members and our AAPI community voted overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris.

“While we should be proud of what we did, we also know it was not enough, and now the consequences of Nov. 5 are coming into sharp focus. An equitable economy, the right to freely organize, a pathway to citizenship for immigrants and the right for women to make decisions about their bodies – all will be under direct assault starting on Jan. 20.

“I’ve been reflecting in the past few days about APALA’s history and values. We were founded in a moment where the country was being torn apart by racial divisions. One of our first acts as an organization was to demand justice for Rodney King. Our power has been the ability to act with clarity and vision. We met setbacks, but we always kept organizing. That’s the definition of a movement – we aren’t static and must always be engaging, organizing and growing.

“Now more than ever, APALA is necessary. I’m proud to stand with all of you as we face the next four years together.

“In the coming weeks, the officers, board and chapter leaders will meet and plan our next steps. We look forward to engaging with all of you and involving you in our plan building. For now, I hope we will take a moment to exhale as we recenter ourselves on who we are and what we stand for: love, hope, justice, power for working people and a better future for all.”

Japanese American National Museum:“JANM respects the democratic process to select the next president of the United States. As an institution whose mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity, JANM is committed to democracy and to standing against divisiveness and discrimination. The museum continues to welcome all visitors to its exhibitions, events, and programs.”

“As we come to terms with an election that poses challenges for civil rights, both here and globally, we honor our obligation to history by using its lessons to shine a light on the imperfect present and to help shape a more just future. Let us continue to fulfill our founders’ vision for JANM as a beacon of civil rights and remain steadfast in our mission,” said Ann Burroughs, JANM president and CEO.

“JANM must continue to vigilantly share the hard-fought lessons accrued from our history. As we enter this new era, we must work together to relentlessly safeguard civil rights, connect the past with the present, and show that the lessons of our history are more relevant and urgent than ever,” said Bill T. Fujioka, chair of the JANM Board of Trustees.

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