AAPI Actors Help to Get Out the Vote

John Cho and George Takei

---

Asian American and Pacific Islander actors appear in a new get-out-the-vote video directed at the AAPI community.

Sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice (www.advancingjustice.org), APIA Vote (www.apiavote.org), The Great Company, Imprenta Communications, and Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation, the video features George Takei and John Cho, along with other familiar faces.

Takei played Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek,” whose golden anniversary is this year, and six feature films. Cho will play Sulu in the upcoming film “Star Trek Beyond,” directed by Justin Lin, which opens July 22. Cho previously appeared as Sulu in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” and “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

The PSA’s message, which is illustrated with historical and contemporary photos, is as follows:

Takei: “Asian American Pacific Islanders have a rich history and have contributed to the success of our country. For more than a hundred years, and through multiple generations, we have played an active part in shaping America. Whether it was building the railroads, farming the land along the Pacific coast, or starting up new businesses, AAPIs have made significant contributions to our country and the economy.

“Our history, however, is now without struggle or having to deal with discrimination. We were once excluded from America, then exploited for cheap labor, and even imprisoned in concentration camps.”

Cho: “However, despite these challenges, AAPIs have persevered and are redefining the future of America. AAPIs are on the cutting edge of technology, business, health care, academia, entertainment, and industry. We are the fastest-growing group in the country and have the power to chart a new course for our nation.”

Takei: “Despite all of our accomplishments and contributions, AAPIs still have a long way to go in helping to lead our country.”

Cho: “It’s a new frontier, and it begins and ends with voting. If you don’t vote, you don’t have a say.”

Constance Wu (“Fresh Off the Boat”): “Voting is fundamental to the success of our democracy.”

Vincent Rodriguez III (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”): “Voting is a right and a privilege that too many of us take for granted.”

Sonal Shah (“Scrubs”): “Voice your vote. You can make a difference.”

Joey “Q” Quenga (radio personality/activist): “Voice your vote. Our future depends on it.”

All: “Register and vote.”

To see the video, go to www.apiavote.org/newsletter/apahm-2016.