Asian Americans and the Presidential Election - Princeton Theological Seminary
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Asian Americans and the Presidential Election

Monday, October 7, 2024 · 11AM–3PM ET

Theron Room, Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library

About this Event

Join us on October 7th, 2024, for a free hybrid event titled “Asian Americans and the Presidential Election,” hosted by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. This conference will feature thought-provoking plenary talks and a dynamic panel discussion with scholars Khyati Joshi, Brad Onishi, and Jerry Park, alongside community faith leader Hyepin Im. Together, they will explore the intersection of faith, politics, and civic engagement within Asian American communities. As we approach the 2025 Presidential Election, this event aims to foster open dialogue, raise political consciousness, and promote democratic participation among diverse Asian American groups.

Why Attend?

This event aims to foster an open dialogue that addresses the often-avoided political conversations within Asian American families, churches, and communities. It provides a platform to raise political consciousness, promote democratic participation, and explore the role of faith in shaping civic engagement.

Whether you are a faith leader, scholar, community organizer, or layperson, this conference will offer valuable insights and practical tools for navigating the complex political landscape of the 2025 Presidential Election. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how Asian American communities contribute to and are shaped by U.S. democracy.

This hybrid event, accessible both in person at Princeton Theological Seminary and online, provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations about the complex political dynamics within Asian American communities. It offers a “permission structure” to discuss political differences openly and constructively, creating an inclusive space for intergenerational and interethnic dialogue. Whether you are a faith leader, scholar, community organizer, or layperson interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and social justice, this event will equip you with new insights and tools to navigate and contribute to the U.S. democratic process. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative discussion that challenges traditional political binaries and highlights the diverse voices within Asian American Christianity.

Event Schedule

 

In-person location: Theron Room, Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library at Princeton Theological Seminary (25 Library Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540)*

Virtual location: Airmeet

*Speakers for this event will be joining virtually via Airmeet.

Event Highlights:

Plenary Talks and Panel Discussions: This event will explore the political dynamics within Asian American communities, focusing on challenges related to political binaries, racial identities, and religious affiliations.

Diverse Perspectives: Engage with cutting-edge research and thought-provoking insights that challenge traditional political binaries.

Interactive Sessions: Participate in dynamic Q&A sessions and a panel discussion on how faith shapes civic identity and action for Asian American Christians in today’s polarized political climate.

Speakers & Panelists

Sponsors

Register for Free


In-person location: Theron Room, Theodore Sedgwick Wright Library at Princeton Theological Seminary (25 Library Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540)*

Virtual location: Airmeet

*Speakers for this event will be joining virtually via Airmeet.

Conference Schedule (Eastern Time)

Plenary Sessions

With the 2024 election just ahead, record numbers of Asian Americans are registering to participate in this very close election. What insights can we glean, especially with regard to the role of religion, from Asian Americans political participation in 2020? We will examine voting preferences, white Christian nationalism attitudes and other social issues that do not receive much attention in the American mainstream media.

Christian nationalism and Project 2025 are in the news, but how do they affect Asian Americans? In this presentation, Dr. Onishi will outline how these phenomena envision the American family and how Asian Americans fit into this vision.

The contrast between Trump’s divisive approach and Harris’s inclusive, multicultural message highlights the ongoing tension between those who seek to maintain the status quo and those who advocate for progressive, equitable change. While Asian American religious communities have long been overlooked, the Asian American community is the fastest growing voter group in America. This presentation will discuss factors influencing the vote in Asian American religious communities.

Host