CAPAC Chair Meng, House Democratic Leadership Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. — May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which recognizes the history, contributions, and achievements of the AANHPI community.
The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in AANHPI 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 with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers. This year’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month precedes the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Rep. Grace Meng and House Democratic Leadership issued the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Grace Meng:
“Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This year’s celebration precedes the 250th anniversary of the United States—a historic milestone and an opportunity to honor the generations of AANHPIs who have helped build and strengthen this nation. Our presence long predates America's founding, beginning with the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States at Morro Bay in 1587.
“Since then, our communities have played a vital role in shaping our nation. From the Asian immigrants who fought in the Revolutionary War to the Indian American astronauts who have pushed the boundaries of space exploration, our contributions can be seen in every facet of society. Our history is American history, and it deserves to be recognized as such—especially at a time when our nation's leaders seek to diminish or erase it.
“As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I remain committed to improving the lives of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the nation. CAPAC will continue fighting for a future where every person—no matter where they come from, what they look like, or how they pray—can live with dignity, safety, and prosperity.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries:
“Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! From Brooklyn to the Bay Area and beyond, we celebrate the wide-ranging contributions, rich history and diverse culture of the AANHPI community. Our AANHPI brothers and sisters are an indelible part of the great American journey. This month and every month, House Democrats are committed to ending the scourge of anti-Asian hate and fighting back against the extremists who are trying to erase the heroic AANHPI trailblazers who have moved our country closer to becoming the best version of itself.”
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark:
“I am immensely grateful for Chair Meng and CAPAC's leadership at this crossroads in our history. As we celebrate our AANHPI communities' rich heritage this month, House Democrats will continue to stand united in fighting for the dignity, safety, and opportunity that are the birthright of all our children. I'm so proud that we have CAPAC leading the way toward that better and kinder future.”
House Democratic Chair Pete Aguilar:
“I’m proud to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This month is a time to honor the culture, achievements and countless contributions of the AANHPI community. The AANHPI community has made America stronger, and the work to ensure they are seen, heard and represented is not over. House Democrats remain committed to uplifting and protecting AANHPI communities and we will continue fighting for a more equitable and inclusive future.”
House Democratic Vice Chair Ted Lieu:
“The history of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities is inseparable from the history of America. Chinese laborers built the Transcontinental Railroad under dangerous conditions and receiving unequal pay, helping transform the nation’s economy. During WWII, as Japanese American families were forcibly incarcerated, Japanese American soldiers became one of the most decorated units in U.S. history. In the 1960s, Filipino farmworkers led efforts that advanced labor rights nationwide. The list goes on.
“This AANHPI Heritage Month, I’m pleased to celebrate the people and contributions that continue to shape our country. In these times of heightened division, I am firmly committed to fighting against the racial, cultural, and religious intolerance that threatens to divide us.”
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