Asian American civic leader Sun Xiaoguang — also known as Don Sun — died March 13 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Sun was the founder of the Asian Americans Forward PAC. He had been bedridden at a hospital for a month before his death. DingDingTV reported: “Don’s family was with him at the end and he did not suffer in his final moments.” The family has requested privacy while coping with Sun’s death. DingDingTV has created a memorial page for Sun, which has quickly filled with tributes. “He will remain in our hearts forever,” said the broadcast station.
Former Democratic presidential contender Andrew Yang said he was devastated by the loss of his friend.
Andrew Yang
“I first met Don in the early days of my presidential campaign. I was pitching myself to a group of elderly Asian American community leaders as a fledgling presidential candidate in San Francisco. I gave a speech about how our families came to this country for a better life, but now this country needs us to step up and do more it because it is falling prey to division. We can help bring it back together. They were fairly stoic so I wasn’t sure how it went.”
“Afterwards, Don took me aside. He said something that would change my life. “I have dedicated my life to helping Asian American political leaders rise. You are the real deal. I have been waiting for you for years. Helping you is the most impactful thing that I can do. So I am going to drop everything else and dedicate myself to your campaign.” I didn’t know quite how to respond, but simply nodded and said, ‘Thank you.'”
Yang noted that Sun leaves behind two sons and countless friends.
Sun was the director of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Fund Development for Andrew Yang’s Humanity Forward movement in 2020. Previously he served as the Executive Director of the Asian Americans for Good Government PAC. At the time of his death, Sun was the CEO of the Chinese American Youth Community Leadership Institute
