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DESI TALK March 6, 2026 11 Asian American Coalition Of Chicago Hosts 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration T he Asian American Coalition of Chicago marked its 43rd Annual Lunar NewYear Celebration on Feb. 28, 2026, drawing more than 1,000 guests to the Marriott Marquis Chicago for what is recognized as the state’s largest Lunar NewYear event. Attendees included community lead- ers, business executives, elected officials, judges, artists and members of Chicago’s diverse Asian American communities. The evening featured a VIP reception, Political Candidates Forum, networking opportu- nities, cultural performances, traditional lion dances, honor awards and dinner. Former Chicago broadcaster Nancy Loo and NBC correspondent Brian Cheung served as emcees. The annual celebration highlights more than four decades of AACC’s work honor- ing leadership, service and cultural excel- lence across the region’s Asian American communities. Each year, one of AACC’s 10 member communities hosts the event. In 2026, Chicago’s Chinese community led the celebration, welcoming the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes strength, resilience and momentum. The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chica- go, a longtime participant in AACC events, has supported the celebration for four decades and previously hosted it in 2020. Apinder Singh, also known as Vic Singh, a certified Illinois assessing officer and permanent board of review member for Lake County, received the Indian Exem- plary Community Service Award for his integrity, leadership and decades of public service. Singh is a past president and cur- rent board of governors member of the Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago. Ten individuals, one from each mem- ber community, were recognized as Exemplary Community Service Award recipients for their lifelong dedication and impact on the Asian American commu- nity. The YouthWho Excel Awards honored emerging leaders, including Ava Kaur Silverstein, recipient of the 2026 Indian Community YouthWho Excel Award. The program began at 4:30 p.m. with a VIP reception and candidate forum, fol- lowed by dinner and live entertainment. Guests enjoyed cultural performances and a featured appearance by internationally acclaimed magician Shin Lim, winner of America’s Got Talent. Speakers included U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Illinois State Treasurer Mi- chael Frerichs and Chicago Mayor Bran- don Johnson, who congratulated Asian American communities for their contribu- tions to the city and state. Deputy Consul General of India in Chi- cago Kriti Das Thokchom represented the Indian Consulate. This year’s theme, “Asian + American,” commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States and celebrated the contributions of Asian Americans to the nation’s history and future. The evening included the presentation of AACC’s highest honors. The Pan Asian American Ping TomMemorial Award was presented to Dr. Manjeet Singh Chawla for his career in medicine and philanthropy. The Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award was given to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights for its leadership in advancing im- migrant and refugee rights across Illinois. The event was organized by co-chairs Anne Shaw and Dr. Karen Eng, along with board members Darryl Tom and Grace McKibben, and supported by dozens of volunteers, performers, technicians and sponsors. As Illinois’ oldest and largest pan-Asian American organization, the Asian Ameri- can Coalition of Chicago said it remains committed to fostering unity, celebrating diversity and strengthening connections among Chicago’s Asian American com- munities. By A StaffWriter Leaders and honorees gather on stage during the Asian American Coalition of Chicago 43rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, recognized as Illinois’ largest Lunar New Year event. PHOTO: ORGANIZERS