Maya Harris, Hon. Julie Su, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal Join Leaders to Boost Voter Turnout in Michigan's AANHPI and Arab American Communities

WARREN, MI Nov 5 : 
This past weekend, Maya Harris, The Honorable Julie Su, The Honorable Dilawar Syed, actor and activist Mark Ruffalo, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and Michigan State Representative and House Majority Whip Ranjeev Puri helped host impactful voter turnout events in Michigan, energizing local AANHPI and Arab American communities to mobilize ahead of Election Day. The events, hosted by the AAPI Victory Fund, Emgage Action, South Asians of MI Organizing for Serious Action (SAMOSA), Michigan One Campaign, and Indian American IMPACT rallied supporters and launched canvassers to turn around the vote in the critical battleground state of Michigan.

(Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) addressing the gathered crowd on the power of their collective vote.)

The weekend began with an AANHPIs for Harris Canvass Launch, held at the Harris-Walz Canton Field Office on Saturday, November 2, featuring Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Lt. Governor of Maryland Aruna Miller, and Michigan State Representative Ranjeev Puri alongside Ruffalo. With a focus on direct voter outreach, the event brought together an enthusiastic crowd ready to engage Michigan’s AANHPI communities in the election process. 

Following the canvass launch, Ruffalo and Rep. Jayapal attended a Community Meet & Greet with young leaders from Michigan’s South Asian, Arab American, and Chaldean Assyrian communities. This gathering provided a unique opportunity for young leaders to connect further with Ruffalo and Rep. Jayapal while discussing issues impacting their communities. Reflecting on his time at both events, Ruffalo encouraged attendees to embrace the power of their collective voices and make the best immediate choice for the next several generations—Kamala Harris.

(At the Community Meet and Greet, actor and activist Mark Ruffalo engaged with supporters of all ages, encouraging attendees to help get out the vote for the Harris-Walz campaign.)

Capping off the day, a vibrant Diwali-themed Party at the Polls brought the community together near the Canton Summit polling location to celebrate the start of early voting in Michigan. Joining Rep. Jayapal, Lt. Gov. Miller, Rep. Dingell, and State Rep. Puri was special guest Maya Harris, an attorney, public policy advocate, and sister to Vice President Kamala Harris. Known for her work on critical policy issues and her role as campaign chair for her sister’s 2020 presidential bid, Harris keynoted the festive GOTV event.

(Ruffalo posed for photos throughout the day, encouraging voters and further expanding his activism to highlight human rights, and social as well as environmental justice.)

On Sunday, November 3, the focus turned to engaging faith communities in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Honorable Julie Su and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller visited a Sikh Gurdwara in Rochester Hills and Muslim Masjid in Troy where they heard the Sikh and Muslim communities’ concerns and needs.

(Maya Harris, the accomplished lawyer, public policy advocate, and strategist, thanked community members for their support for her sister, Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris.)

Later in the day, The Honorable Dilawar Syed engaged with the Pakistani American community in Ann Arbor while The Honorable Su and Lt. Gov. Miller engaged with Michigan’s Bangladeshi American community at a Harris-Walz Rally with Bangladeshi supporters and leaders in Warren, MI, held at Warren Eats Restaurant. The gathering also featured Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, State Rep. Ranjeev Puri, State Senator Stephanie Chang, Judge Carl Marlinga for Congress, and leaders from the Chinese American community in addition to various local elected officials. Together, they rallied with members of the Bangladeshi Americans and allies, underscoring the importance of community-led voter participation.

(MD Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller addressing a gathered crowd of supporters, staff, and volunteers about the importance of the AANHPI community’s political engagement.)
High-res downloads and additional images available here. Media outlets are welcome to use these photos courtesy of AAPI Victory Fund. Please provide photo credit to Afsana Begum for images 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 when possible.

Local community members gathered at the Harris-Walz Field Office in Canton, MI to celebrate the AANHPI community and hear from leaders like Rep. Jayapal (center).

MD Lt. Gov. Miller with local members of the Sikh Gurdwara in Rochester Hills, MI.

The Hon. Su joined MD. Lt. Gov. Miller in hearing from the local Sikh and Muslim communities about the issues impacting them most.

Attendees lit sparklers to recognize Diwali, the yearly festival honoring the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, celebrating prosperity, hope, and new beginnings.