The California Racial Equity Commission, in Partnership with the California Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs, Holds First of its Kind Listening Session with Sikh Community in Yuba City

The California Racial Equity Commission (the Commission) and California Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) hosted their first joint listening session in Yuba City with the Sikh community on Oct. 22. The event was held in partnership with local government and community-based organizations. During the session, CAPIAA and the Commission heard directly from the Sikh/Punjabi community about key concerns like discrimination, lack of educational resources, and domestic violence. 

With close to 30 people in attendance (many whose families have lived in California for more than a century) the listening session offered an opportunity for attendees to share their lived experiences and how far they’ve come as a community. They also shared stories of their contributions to the state’s agricultural economy as farmers and landowners and, more recently, in various sectors, including politics, business, healthcare, and education. 

The listening session also provided space for members of the Sikh community to share their concerns about accessing state and local resources to support their efforts. In collaborating with CAPIAA, community partners, and members of the Sikh/ Punjabi community, the Commission continues to commit to outreach and engagement that helps build a California for all.