We want to join many of our clients in celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month honoring Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. We want to emphasize our agreement with President Biden’s sentiments and “pay tribute to all [our fellow citizens of Asian Pacific heritage] have done to help fulfill the promise of America for all. Together, let us recommit ourselves to building a country in which every American — regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they look like — has an equal opportunity to thrive.”
One reason this month was chosen is “Golden Spike Day,” May 10, 1869, celebrating the completion of the United States’ first transcontinental railroad, which would not have been realized without the significant contributions of Chinese workers.” Read more about the story behind AAPI Heritage Month at NPR, who also interviewed Cynthia Choi, co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate. Choi commented, “This is a celebration of our history, of our culture, and all the different ways in which our community has really demonstrated that we’re not only here to stay, we are a part of this fabric, a part of this country.” Moreover, while “this the month is a time to speak out, share stories and debunk myths about Asian communities, … it’s not the only time to celebrate Asian culture or diversity.”