USANewsOnline.Com, New York — Nearly 500 participants, including more than 25 elected officials, prominent labor leaders, community organizers, business representatives and activists from across the United States, gathered in New York City on Saturday, October 17, for the 19th Annual Convention of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL).

Held at DC 37 Union Hall, the daylong convention underscored ASAAL’s growing role in civic engagement, voter education, labor advocacy and coalition building, while reaffirming its commitment to empowering working-class South Asian Americans, immigrants and other historically underrepresented communities.

The gathering brought together public officials and labor representatives from city, state and national levels, highlighting the importance of collective action in advancing workers’ rights, promoting economic and social justice, and strengthening community representation in government and public policy.

Elected Officials and National Labor Leaders Attend

Among the prominent New York City officials attending were City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Comptroller Mark Levine and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. State-level participants included New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Attorney General Letitia James and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, alongside state senators, assemblymembers and New York City Council members.

The convention also welcomed Georgia State Senator Sheikh Rahman and Virginia State Senator Mohammed Saddam, reflecting ASAAL’s connections with elected officials and community leaders beyond New York.

National and regional labor leaders also participated, including United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) President Nancy Hagans and Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton. Representatives and activists associated with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the NAACP and other labor and community organizations joined the gathering.

ASAAL chapter leaders and delegates traveled from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, New Hampshire and communities across New York, demonstrating the organization’s expanding reach and its efforts to build a more organized and politically engaged South Asian American community.

Labor and Community Leaders Honored

Recognizing contributions to organized labor and the advancement of working people, ASAAL honored labor leaders Nancy Hagans and Gloria Middleton. Community organizer Runu Newaz was also recognized for her commitment to community engagement and service.

Speakers emphasized the importance of cooperation among labor unions, community organizations, elected officials and grassroots activists in addressing economic inequality, protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that historically overlooked communities have a stronger voice in public decision-making.

The convention also highlighted the importance of sustained civic participation beyond election cycles, including voter registration, census outreach, political engagement and advocacy for working families and immigrant communities.

Call for Voter Participation Ahead of Midterm Elections

With the November 3, 2026, midterm elections approaching, speakers urged participants to remain informed, engaged and active in the democratic process. They stressed the need for greater voter participation, accountable leadership and the election of public officials committed to working families and immigrant communities.

ASAAL National President Mohammed Karim Chowdhury said meaningful change depends on organization, education, coalition building and sustained civic involvement.

“Our strength is in our unity, our voice is in our vote, and our future depends on our willingness to organize and participate,” Chowdhury said.

He emphasized that South Asian American communities must not be overlooked in public policy discussions and electoral politics, urging them to hold elected officials accountable and ensure their concerns are represented at every level of government, from City Hall and state capitols to the White House.

Chowdhury also called on voters to reject misinformation, understand issues affecting their communities and carefully evaluate candidates before casting their ballots in the upcoming elections.

Leadership, Youth and Community Participation

The convention program was moderated by ASAAL National President Mohammed Karim Chowdhury, National Secretary Harjit Singh Minhas and Executive Vice President Jamilla Uddin. ASAAL Founder and President Emeritus Maf. Misbah Uddin welcomed attendees and distinguished guests, reaffirming the organization’s founding vision and continuing mission.

Youth leaders Manha Manha, Kazi Sapwan, Irfan and Jaima Hossain assisted with reception and registration, reflecting ASAAL’s commitment to developing future civic and community leaders.

The host committee was led by Ibrahim Barobhuiya, Farooq Hossain and Golam Farroq Shahin. ASAAL Trustee Board Chair Aziz Ahmed and Convention Chair Dr. Suhail also contributed to organizing the event and advancing its objectives.

The organization credited its chapter leaders, members, volunteers, youth activists and community partners for helping make the convention possible.

Renewed Commitment to Community Empowerment

ASAAL expressed appreciation to the elected officials, labor leaders, union members, community organizers, business representatives, sponsors, media professionals and volunteers who contributed to the convention.

The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to the organization’s guiding mission: Organize, Educate, Engage and Empower the working-class South Asian diaspora.

ASAAL called on South Asian Americans and allied communities to strengthen solidarity across racial, ethnic and cultural lines, expand civic participation, protect workers’ rights and promote accountable government.

“Our vote, our voice, our strength — we make the difference,” the organization said in its closing message.

About ASAAL

The Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL) is a national organization dedicated to organizing, educating, engaging and empowering working-class South Asian Americans and allied communities. Through labor advocacy, voter education, civic engagement, coalition building and community leadership development, the organization works to advance workers’ rights, promote social and economic justice, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities throughout the United States.

প্রকাশিত: 26 October 2026

ASAAL’s 19th Annual Convention Draws Nearly 500, Calls for Stronger Civic Engagement and Workers’ Rights

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