(Washington, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray and the Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) today designated May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the District and announced a series of events to commemorate the observance.
“The Asian American and Pacific Islander population remains the fastest growing and most linguistically diverse community in the District,” said Mayor Gray. “Let us celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and continue to ensure that they, like every other District resident, are able to reap the benefits of living in our great city.”
“I welcome everyone, from long-term residents to newcomers, to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with OAPIA and to experience the rich culture and diversity the community has to offer, in activities ranging from the arts to the philanthropic,” said Soohyun “Julie” Koo, OAPIA Director.
This year, OAPIA will host and participate in three major events throughout the month of May. On May 8, 2014, OAPIA will host a panel discussion with AAPI fashion designers. On May 15, 2014, in collaboration with the American Psychological Association, OAPIA will co-host a panel discussion on substance abuse and addiction in the AAPI community. Finally, Mayor Gray and OAPIA will close out the month with their annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration on May 30, 2014. The celebration will include various cultural performances, recognize the pioneers of the Language Access Act, and highlight individuals who have been instrumental in helping the District's limited English proficient and non-English proficient speakers.
For more information about AAPI Heritage Month, please visit www.apia.dc.gov.