Join us for Rooted & Rising: Celebrating Belonging, Legacy and the Power of Community on September 18, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Royal Sonesta Boston Hotel in Cambridge, as we continue to showcase and celebrate plans for our new permanent home, the Asian American Community and Cultural Center in the city of Malden. Hosted by the dynamic Jim Braude from Boston Public Radio and Tracy Chang, Chef and Owner of PAGU, this special evening will bring together community partners, supporters, and civic leaders to honor the shared journey that brought this vision to life and to spark the next chapter of transformative work.

After more than a decade of organizing, advocacy, and coalition-building, we are planting deep roots and lighting the path to a future shaped by community— we invite you to be a part of this next bright chapter!

HONOREES

Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (AALAM) - Public Service for Community Power Award

Dr. Elaine Li Shiang & The Late Dr. Frederick P. Li - Lifetime Community Impact Award

Lawrence Cheng, AIA - Humanitarian Award

HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE:

Honorary Chairs: U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey and U.S. Democratic Whip Congresswoman Katherine Clark

Honorary Host Committee:

Helen Chin Schlichte · Hon. Mayor Gary Christenson · Paul W. Lee · Chef Irene Li · Chef Laurence Louie · State Representative Steven Ultrino · State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven · Leverett Wing · Hon. Paul M. Yee (Ret.) · Emily Yu

GMAACC Gala 2026

Rooted & Rising: Celebrating Belonging, Legacy & the Power of Community