For the past 5 decades, AAPI Equity Alliance and our 50 member organizations have been committed to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in Los Angeles through policy advocacy, capacity building, and civic engagement. Join us in celebrating 50 years of leadership and legacy!
Our Story
In 1976, a group of Asian American leaders convened over food, dubbed the “Asian Lunch Bunch”, to address the lack of multilingual services and programs from Los Angeles County.
The more voices that joined the table, the stronger they grew, becoming formally known as Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council (A3PCON). Our predecessors advocated for language access, increased AAPI decision-making power, and secured funding for grassroot organizations.
The rise in anti-Asian hate in 2020 emerged a new chapter for A3PCON and we announced a new name: AAPI Equity Alliance, reflecting our inclusive coalition. In recent years, we’ve been on the frontlines addressing the growing health and social disparities for AAPIs.
From co-founding Stop AAPI Hate in response to the rise in hate, to educating and empowering voters to the polls with translated voter guides, AAPI Equity Alliance and our members carry on the torch of our predecessors to address today’s slew of challenges.
50th Projects & Events
- “Celebrating Leadership & Legacy”, AAPI Equity Alliance Gala & Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Save the date!
- The Roots of AAPI Activism in LA, an oral history project preserving the stories of our predecessors.
- Member Mondays, a weekly series on social media spotlighting our 50 members.
- AAPI Equity Alliance Action Fund, a newly formed C4 branch expanding our policy work.