After taking by chance an Asian American history class instead of college chemistry during one high school summer, I was shaken from the self-perception of being a model minority and became aware of the myriad of institutional hurdles facing our community. Especially for a first-generation FOB (Fresh off Boat) like myself, it was an eye-opening experience learning about our collective history and realizing the need to come together politically. Subsequently I became active during college, founding and leading student organizations and participating in political campaigns.
However, I became a “lapsed activist” after my job took me “back” to Asia where I was focused on my career and life was comfortable as an expat living amongst people that looked like me. While I followed the great work of Dr. S.B. Woo and 80-20 from afar and was impressed with the intelligent yet persistent and passionate political activism, I did not feel a personal sense of urgency to get too involved, joining as a rather passive member. I did not even vote during the many years abroad.
Still, every home visit state-side reminded me what a wonderful country the US is, with its political openness, press freedom, and multiculturalism, things people do not enjoy in many of the places where I have lived and worked. And about the time I was becoming more involved in university fund-raising and admissions outreach effort, 80-20 EF shed light on the disadvantages facing our youngsters.
Thinking of my own children’s future, I responded to SB’s call to join the EF, and raised the issues when I interacted with university officials and prominent community leaders. Then as the 2016 election cycle rolled around, with the sharp rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and rhetoric that appeared to threaten the very foundation of our democracy, I participated as a delegate to 80-20’s Presidential Endorsement Convention. Later I decided to join the other devoted colleagues to contribute more as a Life Member and a board member. US is not perfect, but it is our home and its ideals are worth fighting for. 80-20 has proven over the years to be an empowering organization fighting for our equal opportunities, and I look forward to working with everyone to achieve our goals.
Please join our journey to make a better America for us and our children!
David Fan
Board Member & Life Member
80-20 National Asian American PAC
Managing Director & Portfolio Manager at LaSalle Investment Management
