CAPAC Statement on the Passing of Grace Lee Boggs
Washington, DC – Today, civil rights activist, philosopher and writer Grace Lee Boggs passed away at the age of 100. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Grace Lee Boggs served communities of color through her leadership and community organizing, fighting against racism that targeted African Americans in the Detroit workforce and later joining the broader civil rights movement. Throughout her lifetime, she continued to push for American values of equality and liberty through numerous writings and publications. Leaders of the Congressional Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“I was saddened to learn about the passing of Grace Lee Boggs earlier today. Grace was a true trailblazer for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community – an incredible woman who championed a more just, equal, and sustainable world. Born to Chinese immigrants in Rhode Island during a time when families of color faced discrimination and struggled with basic access to opportunities, Grace refused to remain silent in the face of injustice. Her activism, courage, and dedication to empowering local communities taught us the importance of building strong coalitions to enact social change. While her passing leaves us with a great void, I know that her legacy will continue to live on in the many accomplishments she leaves behind and in the generations she will continue to inspire.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“Grace will be remembered as a true advocate for civil rights and a champion for those who are less fortunate. I am saddened by the news of Grace's passing, but I cannot help but focus on the courage of a woman who spent her 100 years fighting for true equality, having spent over 50 years organizing with the black community in Detroit. She stood up for workers’ rights; against racial discrimination; for equal pay for women; for fair and safe housing for the poor. It is my hope that Grace’s legacy will continue to inspire younger generations. She helped change the narrative nationwide on what it means to be Asian American and I know that she will continue to be honored for the great contributions she made to our society. When we talk about how racial diversity and immigration form the fabric of the United States, Grace Lee Boggs is the kind of person we are thinking of.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.