CAPAC Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which commemorates the history, contributions, and achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community throughout the month of May. May is officially designated as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month” by section 102 of title 36, United States Code. The observance originally began as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week,” which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed 150 years ago with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
CAPAC Leadership
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for our country to celebrate the rich history, heritage, and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. From helping to build the first transcontinental railroad to fueling our economy as small business owners and entrepreneurs, AAPIs have made vast contributions to the fabric of our nation. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am particularly excited that this May also marks the 25th anniversary of CAPAC's founding. Our nation has always been strengthened by its diversity, and I am so proud that we now have a Congress that better reflects the people it serves. This includes a record 20 AAPI Members of Congress and our highest CAPAC membership in history. As we celebrate this historic milestone, let us honor the legacy of AAPIs who came before us and recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for generations to come.”
Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:
“May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the outstanding contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our nation. Here in Queens, New York, I’m proud to represent such a large and vibrant Asian American community that continues to grow and thrive. From entertainment to medicine; from academia to entrepreneurship; from social justice to innovation – our community has made immeasurable contributions to every facet of our nation. While we celebrate the many accomplishments of our community, we must also take time to reflect on where we came from. We must not forget the importance of raising our voices when and wherever we see injustice and inequality taking place. It is up to us to ensure that we carry on the work of those who came before us, and that we continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and nation. I send my best wishes to all who celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I look forward to future successes of our community.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:
“The many contributions that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has made to our country deserve recognition. Our community’s diversity, our traditions, and our cultures are integral to the story of America – a story of immigrants, innovators, scholars, and hardworking people that make our country better every day. We must pay homage to our roots as we celebrate AAPIs in the month of May and honor our history by challenging injustices and biases that hold our communities back. Today, and every day, we must celebrate the accomplishments of our community, but also recognize the struggles that some of our brothers and sisters still face. That’s why, together, we must challenge myths that paint AAPIs as a monolith and continue working to ensure that every member of the AAPI community has an equal chance to succeed and a fair shot at the American dream.”
Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:
“Each May, we come together to celebrate the history and the numerous contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The AAPI community is essential to the growth of our nation and have made remarkable contributions in education, technology, business, military service, science, engineering and arts. Diversity and allowing people of every background an opportunity to succeed is what allows our country thrive.”
Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), CAPAC Freshman Representative:
“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for us to reflect on the incredible contributions the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have made in making America a more diverse, vibrant and richer place. The AAPI community is growing faster than any other minority community in the country. With that growth will come opportunities for a new generation, including my two sons, to build a future where every Asian American and Pacific Islander can have a piece of the American Dream.”
CAPAC Executive Board Members
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“I’m excited to be joining my colleagues in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This month, we reflect on and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the AAPI community in moving the country forward. From serving in our armed forces, to winning Nobel Prizes, and starring in Hollywood box office hits, our community has and will continue to be an integral part of American life and society. This year, I am especially proud that a record number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are serving in the US Congress. As the longest serving Indian-American in Congress, I will continue to advocate for policies that support and empower the AAPI community.”
Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):
“Aloha! As the very proud U.S. Representative of the district with one of the largest percentages of American who trace their heritage to Asia or elsewhere in the Pacific, I am truly honored to join my colleagues in commemorating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. The honor roll of Asian-Pacific Americans from Hawai’i who have contributed and succeeded in so many fields of endeavor is very long. As just one example, a short time ago we in Hawai‘i honored the first American of Asian descent to be elected Governor of any state: George Ariyoshi. Governor Ariyoshi was inducted into our state’s Aloha Order of Merit, only the second ever to be so honored. The first was the first American of Native Hawaiian descent to be elected to the United States Congress: Daniel Akaka. These two legends truly exemplify the character and spirit of Asian-Pacific Americans everywhere who have given and are giving so much to so many.This month we honor the accomplishments and contributions big and small by all Americans of Asian and Pacific descent throughout history and everywhere in our country. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude for all they have done to make our nation the envy of the world.”
Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39):
“I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating May as Asian Pacific American Month. The Asian Pacific American community is so much more than one monolithic community and each individual Asian Pacific American community is an important part of the 39th Congressional District’s diverse and rich cultural fabric. They are leaders serving our communities and we celebrate their contributions to science, innovation, health, education, business, and the arts. Diversity and inclusion are my district’s and our country’s greatest strengths, and I will continue to ensure that the voices of our Asian Pacific American community are heard in D.C. and in my district.”
Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21):
“The month of May gives us a special opportunity to recognize the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community. As the son of Chinese and Filipino parents, I’m proud to represent my culture in the U.S. Congress. Economically, culturally, and politically we play a significant and vital part of American society. And while we’ve come a long way as a nation, there is still much work to be done to ensure that we protect and expand the American dream for AAPIs and all Americans. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on CAPAC to champion issues facing the AAPI community in the 21st Congressional District and throughout our nation.”
Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Asian and Pacific Islanders make Silicon Valley a more prosperous and inclusive place to live. I’m proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, particularly in an era when minority groups have experienced increasing discrimination and intolerance. I know from my own experience that diversity is our strength.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“This May, I am proud to join communities across the country in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. By opening new businesses, participating in the arts, serving in elected office, and pioneering new scientific discoveries, the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans are a vital part of our nation’s civic, economic, and cultural development. The East Bay’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and I am proud to represent such a vibrant Asian Pacific American community. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and co-chair of the CAPAC Health Care Task Force, I am committed to continuing the work to recognize, protect and expand opportunity for every family to realize the American Dream.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03):
“I am proud to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Since the early 1800s, the AAPI community has played a vital role in the development and growth of this country. As the AAPI community continues to break barriers, we remember that they have played an integral part in the story of America”
CAPAC Associate Members
Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:
“During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and how they have enriched our culture and country. From Framingham to Cambridge, my district is a shining example of a vibrant and growing AAPI community. As House Democrats, we know that our greatest strength is our diversity and we are committed to pursuing equality and celebrating the unique history and experiences of all Americans.”
Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32):
“Throughout May we come together to honor the heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, celebrating their invaluable past and ongoing contributions to our nation. My San Gabriel Valley-based district is fortunate to be home to many Chinese, Filipino, and other AAPI families, who strengthen our schools, businesses, economy, and entire region in many positive ways. This month I encourage everyone to learn about the achievements and sacrifices of the AAPI community in order to better understand the critical role it plays in moving America forward.”
Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):
“Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. San Diego’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has helped define the culture and success of our city. From the Asian Film festival to the delicious food in the Convoy District, San Diegans know and love our close connection to our Asian Pacific American heritage. I join my colleagues to oppose backwards immigration policies and to promote innovation and economic opportunity, so our AAPI community can continue to grow and thrive. I hope you all will join me this May in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”
Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40):
“I wish our Asian American and Pacific Islander families a very happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Our nation is stronger, better, and wiser because of our AAPI community. Their talents and traditions have enriched every element of American life, from our economy, to our culture, to our military, to our schools, and more. I will keep fighting in Congress for policies that protect the right of AAPIs, and all Americans, to build a happy and dignified life here in the United States.”
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“I’m proud to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to celebrate the AAPI community in our country. Their involvement in the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce highlights the many contributions AAPIs make to enrich and strengthen our society’s cultural fabric. I am incredibly proud to represent cities that are known throughout Southern California and the world for their prominent Asian Pacific American communities. I join with my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues to ensure that the concerns and needs of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are heard in Congress.”
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09):
“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I celebrate the great relationship I have with these communities in my district and throughout Illinois. As we work towards improving access to health care for all Americans, I am committed to providing culturally & linguistically competent health services for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):
“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I am proud to celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and its contributions to our country. Washington’s 9th District is made better and stronger by its Asian Pacific American communities. Asian Pacific Americans greatly impacted our nation and their work continues to make a difference. This month, we reflect upon their impact, recognize the struggles the community continues to face, and work to support their continued success.”
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43):
“It continues to be an honor to represent the thriving and diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community in California’s 43rd Congressional District, and the millions more across the country, who significantly contribute to our vibrant national identity. In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, may we reflect on the contributions of the AAPI community, whose rich experiences and backgrounds are deeply woven into the to the diverse fabric of our nation, and reaffirm our commitment to a thriving American Dream,”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.