Meng Issues Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May 1, 2020
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), today issued the following statement commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
"Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the development and history of our nation. From the Chinese laborers who built the first Transcontinental Railroad to Larry Itliong's role in forming the United Farm Workers; from Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress and co-author of Title IX to Secretary Norman Mineta, CAPAC's founding chair and the first Asian American to serve in a presidential cabinet - AAPI legacies are interwoven into our nation's socioeconomic growth. And today, there is no greater time to share our appreciation for the over two million working on the frontlines of this COVID-19 pandemic in health care, law enforcement, first responders, transportation, supermarkets, and other service industries. As we reflect upon the tremendous impact and resilience of AAPIs, and the diversity of these communities during the month of May, we are reminded how the AAPI narrative has enriched our lives."