Dr. Richard T. Chu has been appointed by Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to the Asian American and Pacific Island Commission (AAPIC). Chu is one of three appointments made by the Treasurer and will serve a three-year term.
“I would like to thank Treasurer Goldberg for appointing me and giving me this opportunity to serve the AAPI communities of the state of Massachusetts,” said Richard T. Chu. “I’ve seen the dedication and passion of the commissioners in advocating for the rights and championing the needs of the AAPI communities and I am honored to be working alongside them.”
Chu is a history professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and, as part of his joint appointment with the Five Colleges Consortium, also teaches at Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.
Throughout his career, Chu has striven to help create a just and equitable society. He has done this by doing research, writing, and teaching about the roots and causes of racism and other forms of discrimination. He has worked closely with individuals, communities, and organizations both at UMass and outside that are involved in building a better society.
His research and publications generally focus on the history of the Chinese and Chinese mestizos in the Philippines and of the different Chinese diasporic communities in the world, centering on issues of race, ethnicity, gender, empire, and nationalism.
“I am pleased to appoint Dr. Chu to the Asian American and Pacific Island Commission,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “I am confident he will advance the goals of the commission and raise awareness for equity, justice, and opportunity for the AAPIC community.”
Established on October 29, 2006, the Commission’s goal is to recognize and highlight the vital contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the Commonwealth; to identify and address the needs and challenges facing residents of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry; and to promote the well-being of this dynamic and diverse community, thereby advancing the interests of all who call Massachusetts home.
