Pelosi Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2011) – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which began on Sunday, May 1, 2011.

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the AAPI community, their contributions to our culture and economy, their central place in our history and in our future.

“Over the course of many generations, Americans from Asia and the Pacific Islands have overcome persecution, prejudice, and oppression to become leaders in business and academia, in public service and athletics.  The AAPI community is a reflection of our strength and diversity as a nation, our progress as a society, our hopes for a future enriched by people of all backgrounds.

“In few places is this truer than my home town of San Francisco.  As the census informed us, our AAPI community is large, vibrant, and growing, adding to the beautiful mix of cultures strengthening our city.  Just last week, I was honored to help cut the ribbon on Nihonmachi Terrace, providing affordable housing to AAPI seniors in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown.

“During this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor the thriving, dynamic AAPI community throughout our country.  Let us recognize the vital role of those from Asia and the Pacific Islands in our culture.  And let us recommit ourselves to the value of pluralism in our society – the promise that out of many, we truly are one nation.”