Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) joins representatives of Los Angeles-based public service organizations in calling on all Americans to join in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which began on May 1. 

“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to honor the rich heritage and important contributions made to our nation by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  Born and raised in the diverse city of Los Angeles, I have been blessed with friendships and experiences that have given me a deep respect and appreciation of the unique cultures and customs of our AAPI communities.  As a member of Congress, I am honored to represent many of these communities, including Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and historic Filipinotown.  As is true for all Angelenos, my life has been enriched by the magnificent culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders and their positive impact on our city and on our nation,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard highlighted the significant contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to the 34^th District and the nation.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders contribute to every aspect of our communities and our country. They are leaders in our international trade. They are pioneers in our fashion industry. They are nonprofit community leaders, educators, restaurateurs and small business owners. They are patriots who continue to defend our nation and our American way of life through their distinguished service in our armed forces. The AAPI community also enhances our lives throughout the year with its many cultural celebrations. In my own district of Downtown Los Angeles, I look forward to riding in the annual Nisei Week parade in Little Tokyo and the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown. As we celebrate AAPI History Month, I thank all of my AAPI constituents who continue to enrich my life, the life of Angelenos, and our nation,” Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said.

In 1978, Congress originally chose the first 10 days in May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week in order to commemorate two important dates: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States, on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, thanks largely to Chinese immigrant workers on May 10, 1869.  In 1992, Congress expanded the 10-day period to a month-long celebration.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard asked the following community representatives who run AAPI service organizations and events in the 34^th District to share in their own words what AAPI Heritage Month means to them:

• The Chinatown Service Center provides comprehensive, affordable health care, job training and referrals, and youth services to thousands of low-income families: “As the largest community-based Chinese American health and human services organization in Southern California, the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is extremely important to us.  It’s a time to recognize the contributions of Chinese immigrant workers, past and present, in paving the expansion and growth of America.  This is a legacy that the Chinatown Service Center seeks to honor and continue each and every day as we offer support and assistance to all who seek to succeed, thrive and contribute to Los Angeles and to our country,” said Lawrence Lue, CEO of the Chinatown Service Center.
    
• The Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) provides services to seniors, veterans, and homeless adults in and around Historic Filipinotown. “FASGI joins U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month as we continue to provide quality services to improve the lives of Filipinos and Asian Pacific Islanders in Historic Filipinotown,” said Susan E. Dilkes, FASGI’s Executive Director.
    
• The Nisei Week Foundation organizes the annual festival in Los Angeles of Japanese and Japanese American culture and history: “As Immediate Past President of the Nisei Week Foundation, it was an honor to serve in that capacity and I'm still very active with the organization. The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is a great way to connect the diverse communities of Southern California by sharing the Japanese and Japanese American heritage and traditions through art, culture and education,” said Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Deputy Chief Terry S. Hara, Commanding Officer of the Personnel and Training Bureau.  Deputy Chief Hara is the highest ranking Asian American in the LAPD and the first Asian American to achieve his rank.

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said, “These are just a few of the many organizations devoted to improving the quality of life in the 34^th Congressional District and throughout the Los Angeles region, and I salute them for their services.”