The City of Gaithersburg celebrates Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.
The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May with programs and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage and achievements of our Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander neighbors. See the complete list here.
At the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Jud Ashman will issue an official proclamation declaring May 2022 as Asian American & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Gaithersburg, recognizing Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders whose valued presence has added to the rich cultural mosaic of our community. The proclamation will be presented to Jay Sun, Honorary President of Coordination Council of Chinese American Associations (CCCAA).
Sun is credited with creating a successful model of cross-cultural cooperation led by the Chinese American community. During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led CCCAA as the first local organization to coordinate with other Chinese American organizations and manage donations of PPEs to first responders and essential workers. Sun is highly recognized in local communities for his dedicated service, devotion and commitment.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill in June of 1977. President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation proclaiming the week beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Heritage week, and President Barack Obama issued a proclamation proclaiming May 2009 as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. President Joe Biden proclaimed May 2021 as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) across our Nation. Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their many achievements embody the American experience.
The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg.