Traditionally, this is the time of year when we invite our members, friends, and supporters to the AALAM Anniversary Banquet to join us in celebrating our leaders in the community and our previous year’s accomplishments. This year, we regret to inform you that we are postponing the Banquet due to the public health concerns presented by COVID-19.

This decision was difficult to make as there is an urgent need for unity to support the Asian American community. The businesses and restaurants in Chinatown were the first to suffer declines in business and we are experiencing an increase in anti-Asian racism. These discriminatory and hateful acts are fueled by unfounded fears and misinformation. AALAM has joined the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) in denouncing anti-Asian hate, violence, and racism related to the coronavirus. We encourage you to help us by stopping the spread of inaccurate information concerning COVID-19 and stereotypes.

Although we are physically staying in our respective places, AALAM is moving forward and adapting to the changed environment. We continue to support the Harry H. Dow Memorial Fund which provides resources to ensure access to the legal system for Asian Americans who are deprived of justice because of barriers such as race, language, culture, poverty or immigration status.  And, we are communicating with organizations in the Asian American community and gathering information about community efforts and volunteer opportunities that have developed over the recent weeks. We will keep you informed about what AALAM and our individual members are doing to support the community and ways you can support those in need.

In May, we will be awarding the AALAM/Dow Fund Scholarship to a law student who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership in the Asian American community. To our law student members, we appreciate that your academic year has been disrupted and that some of you have not been able to return to Boston. To encourage a robust pool of applicants, we’ve extended the AALAM/Dow Fund Scholarship application deadline to April 30.

In the coming weeks, we will resume our programming through virtual meetings. We are optimistic that an online platform will allow us to stay connected and reach out to new members. We have some great programs in the works - please stay tuned for updates!

We thank you for your continued support of AALAM and we wish everyone good health and safety as we forge through these uncertain times. 

We look forward to meeting up with you again in Chinatown.

Sincerely, 

Leslie Su

AALAM President