This Day in History: 0000-08-23
1959 – “Asian American Elected to U.S. Senate for First Time
” Hiram Fong, who was one of Hawaii’s most prominent and successful businessmen at the time, was elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He became the first Asian American elected to the legislative body. He was also the first Asian American to seek the Republican party’s nomination for resident of the United States. Fong was the first in a long line of Asian American elected officials to represent Hawaii, including Daniel Inouye, Daniel Akaka and Mazie Hirono.
June 1994 - "Council on American-Islamic Relations is Founded" Three officers of the Islamic Association of Palestine established the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The organization focuses on defending the civil rights of Muslims, challenging stereotypes of Islam and Muslims and training Muslims in media relations. The organization was one of the leaders in protecting the rights of Islamic Americans after 9/11, when Muslims in the U.S.experienced an increased level of discrimination and violence.