(Philadelphia, PA) — Second Generation, the federal political action committee that empowers marginalized immigrant communities, announced today its endorsement of Anthony Kyriakakis in his campaign for Court of Common Pleas Judge in Philadelphia. 

“Anthony is without a doubt one of the most qualified candidates for judge I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said attorney Joe Khan, Board Chair of Second Generation. “He has followed his American dream by always remembering where he came from and his obligation to lift up others as he rises.”

Kyriakakis’s legal experience includes serving with distinction as a federal prosecutor, a criminal defense lawyer for the indigent, a civil litigator, and an appellate law clerk. Thanks to a scholarship from his father’s union, he became the first in his immigrant family to attend college, graduating magna cum laude from Yale and cum laude from Harvard Law School. He now teaches sentencing law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. 

“As the son of two immigrants, I understand the struggles that immigrant families face as they seek better lives for themselves and future generations,” said Kyriakakis. “I am honored to accept the endorsement of Second Generation, and I will ensure that all parties in my courtroom, including those from marginalized communities, are treated equally, and with fairness and dignity.

Kyriakakis is the only 2019 judicial candidate who has received the “Highly Recommended” rating from the Philadelphia Bar Association and the endorsement of Philadelphia’s Democratic Party.  He and his wife Aleni have been active in their local civic association, playground friends group, and several community organizations. They reside in Center City with their two young children.

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) – Second Generation, the federal Political Action Committee dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, announced today its endorsement of Marwan Kreidie for Philadelphia City Commissioner. 

“We founded this organization to champion the immigrant groups who have been left out of the political process,” said Joe Khan, Chair of Second Generation. “Marwan has dedicated his life to this same cause, and is running for City Commissioner to continue fighting for the full inclusion of these marginalized communities.”

Since Kreidie’s family settled in Philadelphia after fleeing a civil war in Lebanon, he has spent a lifetime in service of others. After serving as Commissioner of Philadelphia’s Civil Service Commission for eight years, he was nominated by Governor Ed Rendell and confirmed by the State Senate to serve as Chairman of Pennsylvania’s State Civil Service Commission for a 6 year term.  A community organizer and expert in civil service reform and implementation, he also has served on the transition teams for Governor Tom Wolf, and Philadelphia Mayors Michael Nutter and Jim Kenney.

“I am proud to receive the support of Second Generation because I am a coalition builder who fights for those who cannot always fight for themselves,” said Kreidie.  “As City Commissioner, I will use the full power of my position and office to bring together diverse communities to create a more informed, enfranchised, and engaged Philadelphia."

Krieidie is a founding member Philadelphia Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, United Voices, and the Arab-American Community Development Corporation, where he serves as Executive Director and for which he received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership award.  He and his wife Monika are the proud parents of three children, all of whom have attended Philadelphia public schools.

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) – Joe Khan, Board Chair of Second Generation, announced today that the Board unanimously voted to endorse Jamie Gauthier in the election for Philadelphia’s 3rd Councilmanic District. 

“As a native West Philadelphian and the daughter of a Caribbean immigrant, Jamie has spent her entire life building bridges between communities,” said Khan. “Jamie envisions a Philadelphia that is more dynamic and more diverse and she will be a Councilwoman who builds a bridge to that progressive future.”  

Gauthier, an urban planner and community activist, left her position as Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy in order to challenge longtime incumbent Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.  

“The Third District is one of the most dynamic sections of the city, where lifelong residents like me, immigrants like my mother, and other new Philadelphians are building a future together,” said Gauthier. “With the help of Second Generation, I will continue to fight to ensure that all of my constituents have access to affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and quality education.”

Gauthier was raised in West Philadelphia, where she now raises her two sons.  She is a graduate of Central High School, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) – Second Generation, a federal political action committee that seeks to empower immigrant communities in the political process, announced today its endorsements in the Philadelphia City Council At Large race. Joe Khan, Chair of Second Generation, announced that the PAC’s Board unanimously voted to endorse Erika Almirón and Fernando Treviño.

“Latin American immigrants have made Philadelphia a more vibrant city, and it’s inspiring to see candidates like Erika and Fernando emerge in 2019,” said Khan. “Erika and Fernando have dedicated careers—and now campaigns—to empowering their communities. We are proud to help each of them claim a seat at the table.”

Philadelphia’s Democratic primary will take place on May 21, 2019. Almirón and Treviño are each running to claim one of five spots on the Democratic slate. Traditionally, the five Democratic nominees are expected to win election in the November general election.

"For working class children of immigrants like myself, going into politics seems sometimes like an impossibility. But with the Trump administration criminalizing families like mine everyday, voices that understand the struggles of immigrant families are needed in the halls of power now more than ever,” said Almirón. “That's why I am so honored to be supported by Second Generation in this election. In accepting this endorsement, I renew my pledge to continue fighting for immigrants, people of color and poor people as Philadelphia’s next At Large member of City Council."

"As an immigrant, it is an honor for me to receive the endorsement of Second Generation" said Treviño. "Immigrants have been at the foundation of our city since its beginning, and I'm proud to be a part of the fabric of Philadelphia." he added. "My whole career I have worked defending the rights of immigrants and underrepresented communities. I'm proud to see the communities I've fought for my whole life come together to demand the representation they deserve in our government."

Almirón, who resides in Germantown, is the daughter of immigrants from Paraguay. Prior to launching her campaign, she served as the Executive Director of Juntos, where her leadership resulted in Philadelphia ending its cooperation with ICE, making Philadelphia a national model for Sanctuary Cities.

Treviño, who resides in South Philadelphia, is an immigrant from Mexico who moved to the United States as an adult. He has advocated for other immigrants as an attorney, as a grassroots organizer, and as the founder of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs in Philadelphia.

On Monday, after a unanimous vote by our Board of Directors, we officially announced our endorsement of Kay Yu for Common Pleas Court judge in Philadelphia. If elected, Kay would become the first ever Korean-American to ever serve as a judge in Pennsylvania. In fact, she would become one of only four Asian-American judges elected in the history of our Commonwealth. But what’s even more impressive than the historic nature of Kay’s campaign is her personal journey.

“Humbled by Second Generation’s endorsement on Monday before members of the Korean press. Building trust between immigrants and the Courts is no small step in pursuing equal access to justice for all, and Kay is ready!” - Kay Yu

When Kay was brought to the US as a child, her mom didn’t have money, papers, or a plan. But thanks to hard work, perseverance, and the goodwill of good people, Kay blazed trails as a Dreamer, an Ivy League graduate, and a human rights activist. She is one of the most respected attorneys in Philadelphia and a champion for immigrants, the LGBT community, and all who seek access to justice.

Kay is widely respected in the Asian-American community, & the Korean language press featured Kay and our executive director on the front page of this week’s Sunday Topic.