Wednesday, 9 March 2016 - 2:00pm
REPRINT from eNewsletter "WhiteHouse.gov"
Last week, we kicked off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the White House.
The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is the fastest growing racial group in the U.S., with a breadth of stories and experiences. From native Hawaiians to recent immigrants to third-generation Americans, from artists to entrepreneurs to public service leaders, AAPIs are a fundamental part of the diverse mosaic of America.
So this month, we're honoring the irreplaceable roles that members of the AAPI community have played in our past, and we recommit to ensuring opportunities exist for generations of AAPIs to come.
Here's how we kicked off the month:
President Obama to the AAPI Community: "We Were All Strangers Once"
The President spoke at the 22nd annual APAICS Awards Gala, recognizing the extraordinary diversity of AAPI communities and their contributions to empower AAPI communities. From civic engagement and health care to criminal justice and immigration, President Obama acknowledged the strengths of AAPI communities and the importance of building welcoming communities for all immigrants and refugees in order to allow our local communities and our nation to thrive.
"The AAPI community, you're part of the lifeblood of this nation. You are our teachers and our faith leaders, our doctors, our caretakers, our artists, our shopkeepers, our police officers and firefighters. You are our soldiers and our sailors, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen, defending our freedom every day. And, increasingly, you are a powerful, visible force in American political life.
Now, given that success, sometimes it's easy for people to buy into the myth of “model minority,” and gloss over the real challenges and discrimination that still exist. We know that certain AAPI groups still face higher dropout rates, obstacles to employment, even higher rates of some diseases. So this is part of the reason why under my administration we're trying to improve the federal government's data collection, so we get a better picture of which communities might still need additional resources and attention to overcome some of these barriers."
Read President Obama's full remarks to the AAPI community.
President Obama's Record with the AAPI Community
The President has made great strides to improve the lives of people across the country, including by recognizing the tremendous growth and unique needs of the diverse AAPI community. Here's a look at his record, from creating opportunities for immigrants and refugees, to forging educational equity.
Champions of Change: Celebrating AAPI Art and Storytelling
Artists and advocates, through their unique channels and distinct platforms, have played a critical role in telling powerful stories, increasing awareness around key AAPI issues, and encouraging diversity and inclusion in all sectors of society. As a part of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month, the White House honored Champions of Change for AAPI art and storytelling who have raised the visibility of diverse AAPI experiences and created dialogue around issues the community faces.
Learn more about the our Champions of Change for AAPI Art and Storytelling.
Share Your #MyAAPIStory with StoryCorps
Throughout the month, we’re partnering with StoryCorps to share and document AAPI stories, which will be sent to the Library of Congress. The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to this country are countless, diverse, and meaningful. Through this initiative, and #MyAAPIStory, we want to share and document AAPI stories, perspectives, and experiences so that they are represented in our nation's narrative. So, be part of history -- grab an interview partner and record your story today!
More Announcements
We also held a series of discussions surrounding issues that affect our community. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Chris Lu, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nani Coloretti, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Vanita Gupta, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and other Administration officials highlighted the current work of their agencies and the value and strength of collaboration between federal government and stakeholders.
Last week the U.S. Department of Education also announced that it will be investing $1 million toward a new federal grant program that will be a foundational step in identifying educational opportunity gaps and targeting support to improve the college- and career-readiness of underserved AAPI students and English learners.
Watch Secretary John King announce the AAPI Data Disaggregation Initiative
Advocates, community leaders and government officials also joined us for a briefing on the impact of immigration on AAPI communities, including a policy to help reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their family members who are stuck in the immigration backlogs.
Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Policy
BONUS: Hudson Yang, from ABC's Fresh Off the Boat, Stops by the White House
Thanks, and stay tuned for more from AAPI Heritage Month at the White House!
Alissa
Alissa Ko
Associate Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs
