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Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, with Senators John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Washington, DC, United States

  • Title: Congressman Dalip Singh Saund, with Senators John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Story: Dalip Singh Saund, a California farmer, mathematician, and judge from Imperial County, made history in 1957, becoming the first Asian elected to Congress. He served there until 1963, staunchly supporting civil rights. Saund paved the way for generations of immigrants—Indian, Asian, and otherwise—who would also become public servants, some as elected officials, others as community organizers.
  • Quote: “There is no room in the United States of America for second-class citizenship." – Rep. Dalip Singh Saund
  • Rights: Courtesy of Eric Saund
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

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