Awarded by the National Association of Counties

To address the nationwide increase in hate crimes directed toward Asian Americans since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) and the Asian American Society of Central Virginia (AASoCV) collaborated in late 2022 to develop the Portraits of Immigrant Voices program.  Inspired by the book of the same name, the library hosted a panel discussion for immigrants to share stories from their perspectives and opened the floor for questions.  The program highlighted the experiences of immigrants in Central Virginia and brought the community together.  Participants related their life experiences: the lives they left behind, the challenges they faced, and the successes they have achieved.  The stories exemplified their strength, courage, and resilience, and resulted in a broader understanding, growth, and healing in the community.