On Sunday 26th 2021 it was such a privilege to be the Mistress of ceremony of a private reception organized for US Senator Ben Cardin to support Maryland Democratic Party.  The event was hosted by the President of the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Washington (CACCGW) Karina Hou in her breathtaking home along with Executive director of UNESCO for Peace, Guy Djoken and Owner of famous Meiwah Restaurant Larry La and Businessman John Slater President of ACCE Holdings Corp.  In a friendly and relaxing ambiance with some awesome artistic performances roughly 30 guests from different background gathered for this special occasion including VIP guests such political leaders  as Senator Susan Lee, Delegate Lily Qi and Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party Yvette  Lewis. What a beautiful and delightful evening it was! Special mention must be paid to these two artists who graced us with their presence. Emerging young talent Daniel Liu who played piano and Grammy nominee Cheick Hamala Diabate “the griot” who performed traditional African music. They were real showstoppers as they bluffed everyone as their eclectic shows were so incredible. But Senator Ben Cardin’s charismatic presence truly brought something special. A laid back, smiling and friendly Senator Cardin appeared while making some jokes with the audience.

(From left to right) : Delegate Lily Qi, Senator Susan Lee, Musician, Businessman John slater President of ACCE Holdings Corp, Artist Cheick Hamala Diabate, Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party  Yvette Lewis and Executive director of UNESCO for Peace, Guy Djoken.

 

Senator Ben Cardin speaking to the audience
Commitee host ( from left to right) : MC Alizé Utteryn, Businessman John Slater President of ACCE Holdings Corp, Owner of famous Meiwah Restaurant Larry La, Executive director of UNESCO for Peace Guy Djoken and the President of the Chinese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Washington (CACCGW) Karina Hou.

When he started speaking, he brought positive energy. Supporters were responsive and listened carefully. As a reminder Sen. Ben Cardin has been a tireless champion for improving equity and reconnecting our nation’s communities. He is a third-generation Marylander, a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues while representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate, and before that in the House of Representatives. He has worked across party lines to further U.S. national security and to ensure that good governance, transparency and respect for human rights are integrated into American foreign policy efforts

Senator Cardin gave thanks to the host committee while expressing how grateful he was for all the work they have doing for the community including all great leaders presents on peace, human rights and all good causes.  In additional he took this opportunity to pay tribute to two states legislators Susan Lee and  Lily Qi. “ They are fantastic, you don’t see them at work but I can tell you they have been in my office for many years working together, they are real warriors on behalf of good governance, human rights, inclusion ang getting things  done right”.  He also commanded the chair Yvette Lewis as “the best of the best in the country”.

His words were extremely meaningful and enlightening on racial issues in the US, a lasting and critical matter. He spoke out about issues of civil rights, healthcare, immigration reform, workers’ rights, and empowering communities. He also insisted how important any contributions were crucial for the party to continue help new voters register as they canvass community to preserve the democrat majority.  Democrats fear Republicans could tip the balance of power in Congress to the GOP in the 2022 midterm elections.

 

Determination, Unity and Active Work to Continue the fight

Indeed, in a fiery speech Senator Cardin talked about his concerns over voting rights. Consequently, he insisted how we could reverse the situation and what was required to continue the movement for change in the community. It is not an easy path, but everyone needs to be focused on collaborative action, he explained.

“We have to get organized now not in October, November next year. We have the energy, but we need the resources to do that.  We are asking everyone to dig deep and help us financially. Money is critically important to take our advantage…..” Please help us expand the group, let us get more people engaged and let us all continue…….” The stake is too high. We can’t be silent, and we can’t be absent from this fight we’ve got to be in it. For our children, our grandchildren, for our country we’ve got to make sure that we protect our democracy, and we move forward and helping inclusion in America. So that this nation can grow and continue to be the beacon of hope and opportunity for people around the world.”  Senator Cardin concluded with thunderous applause from the audience.

Needless to say, his energizing and uplifting speech captivated the crowd. And what such a good way to finish the day on this positive note with a succulent and exquisite dinner served by sponsor Meiwah restaurant. Without a doubt everyone enjoyed it. Meanwhile it was a great opportunity to network and mingled with the guests. Congratulation to the host committee for producing this noteworthy event to highlight MD Democrat Party’s work and team leaders.

 

Hope for the future

Finally, there is still a long way to go, a lot of work to do, many challenges and many controversies to come in order to solve social issues within communities and to change the general mentality. It is important to sustain our momentum and not taken it for granted. The best way to make change is to rally tremendous collective efforts. But it begins first with our neighborhoods, our communities along with our politicians representing us. Everything is possible with conviction and determination. So, YES WE CAN! Let’s do it again! Time to vote massively!

 

Article by Alizé Utteryn 09/27/2021

For more info : https://www.cardin.senate.gov/

https://www.mddems.org