Rep. Doris Matsui Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Today, Rep. Matsui (CA-05) called on all Americans to join in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is commemorated each May across the country.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month falls in May because of key anniversaries in the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that occur in May, including: the arrival in the U.S. of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869).
Rep. Matsui issued the following statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:
“This month marks a time when all Americans pay tribute to the millions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have made great contributions to our society. From art to politics, and from business to education, AAPIs have enriched American culture and society.
“The Asian American experience is the American experience; many have to come to the U.S. to escape persecution and harsh living conditions, and have succeeded in achieving the American dream. Asian American commitment to social justice and equal rights ensures that historic victories over racism and wartime hysteria—and the lessons these victories teach us—will remain in the forefront of our national consciousness forever.
“This year, we have much to celebrate with the election of President Obama and the leadership he has shown by selecting diverse cabinet members like Gary Locke, Eric Shinseki and others, our cabinet is beginning to look more like America. I am confident that we can continue to move forward and work toward a better tomorrow, today.”
Rep. Matsui also noted that as a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus she is taking key steps to meet the vital concerns of AAPI families across the country.
