A Conversation With Maryland State Delegate Lily Qi

Elected American: From Red China to Blue Maryland

What does it take to become an American—not just by citizenship, but by participation?

In her new memoir, Elected American: From Red China to Blue Maryland, Maryland Delegate Lily Qi tells her remarkable journey from growing up during China's Cultural Revolution to becoming the only U.S. state legislator who lived through that turbulent chapter of Chinese history.

Arriving alone in America as an international student in 1989, Qi navigated cultural divides, financial struggles, and the challenges of finding her place in a new country. Three decades later, she made history by winning a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates, overcoming political skepticism and resistance even within her own immigrant community.

Blending personal storytelling with a behind-the-scenes look at American politics, Qi explores identity, belonging, and the power of civic participation. Her story challenges conventional notions of who gets to be an American—and reminds us that immigrants don't have to wait a generation to participate fully in American democracy.

Join us for a lively conversation about immigration, the American Dream, and what it means to choose to belong by stepping up.

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