The Democratic National Committee reported in a recent newsletter that Asian-Americans made history in the 2018 midterm elections. The fastest growing minority group in the United States, according to a Pew Research Center report, has shown an increasing interest in politics from the local to national level.

The DNC says the highlights of the midterms include Andy Kim becoming New Jersey's first Asian-American congressman and two immigrants — Taiwanese-born John Liu and Indian-American Kevin Thomas — becoming the first Asian-Americans elected to the New York Senate.

Other firsts include Kentucky electing its first Indian-American, Nima Kulkarni, as state representative. In Connecticut, William Tong became the first Asian-American in state history to win a statewide office with his election as attorney general.

In Texas, Angie Chen Button won her Texas House race. She'll serve alongside other Asian-Americans, including Hubert Vo and Gene Wu in the Houston area.

A notable race this year near Houston involved Sri Kulkarni, a Democrat who ran in Texas House District 22, which has the highest concentration of Asian-American voters in the state. He made news for reaching out to voters in 13 languages. He lost, but the race was close.

Ismailis give back

The local Ismaili community will give back on Thanksgiving. Their outreach group, I-CERV, which stands for Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering, will pack about 60,000 meals Thursday for families in need. Volunteers can sign up for a shift from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, 2500 Dickerson Pkwy. in Carrollton. Register at bit.ly/2DMAHh7.

The event is under the umbrella of the Aga Khan Council for Central United States. The council handles the social governance of the Ismaili Muslim community. Ismailis believe that sharing one's time, materials or intellectual background to help others is an important tradition that shapes the social conscience of their community. Learn more at the.ismaili.

Art exhibit

The Reading Room presents an exhibition of works on paper by Nida Bangash through Dec. 15. Called "Toranj," it showcases works that use the language of pattern to weave together the artist's cross-cultural experiences.

Born in Iran and brought up in Pakistan, Bangash lives in the Dallas area and is working on a master's degree in fine arts at Southern Methodist University. She received a 2018 Nasher microgrant and was nominated for the 2018 Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas Art Fund Prize.

Bangash says she used two literary sources in the exhibition. The first is an excerpt of Orhan Pamuk's novel My Name is Red, a story of a drawing of a tree that never found its way into the book. The second source is a poem by 14th-century Persian and Sufi poet Hafez called "Toranj" ("The Bergamot"), which is a conversation between two people or perhaps God interrogating man.

The Reading Room, 3715 Parry Ave. in Dallas, is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and by appointment. Visit thereadingroom-dallas.blogspot.com.

Upcoming events

TUESDAY

Sapna Punjabi-Gupta will host a Vegetarian Friendsgiving Cooking Class from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Central Market, 4349 W. Northwest Highway at Midway Road in Dallas. The cost is $60. To register, visit bit.ly/2Kfjhu2.

SATURDAY

The Crow Museum of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St. in Dallas, will host a free open studio day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in its Pearl Art Studio. Find more at crowmuseum.org.

SUNDAY

The Crow Museum, 2010 Flora St. in Dallas, will host a stress reduction workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. in its Pearl Art Studio. The cost is $25 for members; $30 for the public. To sign up, visit crowmuseum.org.

NOV. 30

Fun Asia, 1210 E. Belt Line Road in Richardson, hosts Karaoke Bollywood Night from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. the last Friday of the month. The entry fee is $5; a buffet is available for $10 for adults, $5 for children. Learn more at funasia.net.

DEC. 2

The Japan American Society will host the Bonenkai: Forget-The-Year Party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Izakaya RoMan, 3211 Oak Lawn Ave. C, Dallas. Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for others. To order, visit jasdfw.org.

ONGOING

Hiroko Tanaka has a free exhibition of paintings called "Five V" on display through Nov. 25 at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St.

The Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., will present a free exhibition by Nepalese artist Arjoon KC called "Reality of Unheard Stories" through Jan. 6 in the Carpenter Lobby Gallery.

Twitter: @debbiewfleck