Lily Qi: "Elected American"

Thirty years after her solo journey to America, Chinese-born Lily Qi became a Maryland state delegate. It was a gratifying moment she did not take for granted. Qi had overcome a viral WeChat disinformation campaign from her Chinese community and met with skepticism from the Democratic establishment before being elected.

Elected American tells the inspirational story of Qi’s dreams, setbacks, and achievements with candor and humility. Growing up in Mao’s Shanghai when “politics meant danger,” she never imagined running for public office. However, living in America, Qi came to see political participation as a missed opportunity for immigrants. As she campaigned to energize her cultural base, Qi realized she had to teach first-time voters how to make their votes count in a system not designed for them.

As the only U.S. state legislator to have lived through China’s Cultural Revolution, Qi brings a rare cross-system perspective to American politics and the modern-day Asian American identity. Elected American is a political memoir and an immigrant story that emphasizes that democracy doesn’t wait on the sidelines—it favors those who participate.

Lily Qi will be joined in conversation by Maryland State Delegate Regina Boyce.

About the Author:

Lily Qi has served in the Maryland House of Delegates since 2019, representing Montgomery County, a suburb of Washington DC. As a champion for economic competitiveness and cultural competency, Qi is a leading voice on immigrant integration, civic and political engagement, and the Asian American experience.

About the Moderator:

Regina T. Boyce was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2018 in the 43rd District and re-elected in 2022 and 2026 in the redistricted 43A. Delegate Boyce serves on the House Environment and Transportation Committee for eight years serving on varies subcommittees to include the Environment, Motor Vehicle and Transportation, Housing and Real Property. Delegate Boyce currently serves on the Energy subcommittee and chairs the Natural Resources and Open Spaces subcommittee. Delegate Boyce is a member of the Baltimore City Delegation, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, The Women’s Caucus, The Transit Caucus, and is an associate member of the Latino Caucus.

About the Program:

• Doors will open to registered attendees at 6 pm.
• A local bookseller will be on-site and have books available for purchase.
• Free parking vouchers are available to program attendees who park at the Franklin Street Garage (15 W. Franklin Street) after 4pm. Ask Pratt event staff for your parking voucher prior to or after the program.
• There is no registration required for virtual attendance, simply visit the Enoch Pratt Free Library's Facebook or Youtube page.
• This is a seated event with spaces reserved for individuals with accessibility needs. ASL interpretation will also be available for attendees throughout the event. If you need additional accommodations to successfully participate, please let us know at [email protected] or 443-768-0762.