AAPI Awareness Month Special Guest Essay

Happy Spring Democrats!

To conclude Asian American Pacific Islander Awareness Month, we are grateful to Glenview resident Ami Desai Das for sharing insight into her family's upbringing in the 9th district and her unique perspective on diversity and inclusion in our community.

Sincere thanks, Ami!

Jennifer Lind, NTD Board Member

American as Pumpkin Spice Chai

by Ami Desai Das M.D., 9th District Resident

My husband and I grew up in Glenview. He was born here and I came when I was two years old. Our kids were born in Chicago and Evanston. We have strong ties to India with family there, and we live very American lives. My parents worked hard, my sister and I were latchkey kids. They paid taxes and we attended public schools. And now we do the same, raising our children in the New Trier Township.

I value life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone. I value democracy and collaboration. I value women's rights, civic engagement and freedom of speech. I value mental health treatment and access to health care. I am a citizen of the United States of America and proud to call this country my home. Hyphenating my American identity can be both a source of pride and very isolating at the same time. Is being "Asian-American" or "Indian-American" somehow different from being "American?" Whether it is a slice of apple pie or a cup of pumpkin spice chai, it's as American as me.