(SACRAMENTO, CA) On June 23, 2012, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will join Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP), the national network of progressive Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and allies, presents "Vincent Chin 30: Standing Up Then and Now," a nationwide Google Hangout with leading civil rights leaders from around the country to discuss hate crimes and bullying in the community.

The one-hour panel discussion, moderated by Phil Yu from the website Angry Asian Man, will feature Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC); Zahra Billoo, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations San Francisco Bay Area chapter (CAIR-SFBA);Tom Hayashi, executive director of OCA; Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian American Justice Center; and more.

What: Nationwide Town Hall 

When: Saturday, June 23rd at 10AM PST

Where: California State Capitol, Rm. 126

1200 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

"Vincent Chin's death continues to serve as a reminder today, 30 years later," said Zahra Billoo. "People of color and religious minorities continue to face discrimination in our country. The increasing use of fear mongering during the election cycle makes it more important than ever that we reflect on the lessons of Vincent's life and death. It is only by learning from history that we can work to ensure not to repeat it."

In June 1982, Vincent Chin was bludgeoned to death by two unemployed autoworkers in Detroit, just days before his wedding. His killers served no jail time, received only three years probation and a $3,000 fine. The verdict outraged Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country and launched a pan-Asian American movement.

Simultaneous viewing parties have been organized in over 30 cities, including Albany, Atlanta, Austin, Binghamton (NY), Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Corvallis (OR), Denver, Detroit, Fremont (CA), Gainesville, Grand Rapids (MI), Hartford, Honolulu, Houston, Irvine (CA), Ithaca (NY), Los Angeles, Lowell (MA), Morgantown (WV), New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Portland (OR), Raleigh, Saint Paul, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, and Wichita. Individuals can tweet in questions at #VC30. Each viewing party will also feature a local program before or after the town hall.

National co-sponsors include Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU), Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), OCA, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC), and Students Advocating for Asian Pacific Islander Americans (SAAPIA). Media sponsors are 8Asians.com, Angry Asian Man, and blacklava.

Sacramento Community Sponsors include APICA, APAPA, CAPITAL, CAIR-Sacramento Valley, JACL, Sacramento Regional Coalition for Tolerance, and SEARAC.

Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) is a national network of progressive Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and allies, united for grassroots activities and political action. Our organization is made up of everyday citizens, including students, filmmakers, scientists, academics, community organizers, lawyers and others, as well as elected officials, staffers and campaign workers.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.