Queens Councilmembers Linda Lee, Sandra Ung and Julie Won kick off Lunar New Year.

They discuss the first anniversary of the death of Michelle Alyssa Go and the sentencing of GuiYing Ma’s attacker. Both incidents garnered widespread attention across the country.

Lee explained how the City Council is ensuring these crimes against Asian Americans never happen again.

Ung discussed her recent op-ed, which highlights the dangers of downplaying AAPI bigotry. She also talked about the recent bigoted remarks from a Community Board member and explained how anti-Asian rhetoric is still alive today as we emerge from the pandemic.

Won represents Long Island City, which is home to one of the fastest-growing Asian populations in New York City. More than 11,000 Asians live in Long Island City — representing about 34% of its population.

Asian American voters also make up the state’s fastest-growing ethnic group. Won explained what she hopes this means for the AAPI community in the new year.

Lee was the first Korean-American elected to the City Council and discussed what it means to have the first Asian American woman to serve in the state senate and the city’s first Filipino in the Assembly.