President Biden signed the proclamation naming May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Friday, April 29.
Biden took the occasion to point out how AANHPI are an a part of the fabric of the U.S. Part of the proclamation states:
"AA and NHPIs have long played an essential role in writing the American story. From serving our country in uniform, advocating for civil rights, starting new businesses, and winning Olympic medals, the contributions of the AA and NHPI community touch the lives of Americans every day. AA and NHPIs serve with distinction at the highest levels of Federal, State, and local government. I am proud to have Vice President Kamala Harris, the first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President, and Katherine Tai, the first Asian American United States Trade Representative, in my Administration."
Biden took the time to acknowledge how difficult it has been for AANHPI peoples.
"The First Lady and I shared the Nation’s outrage as we witnessed these crimes increase by 339 percent last year compared to the year before in cities across America," said Biden.
"Many other incidents of anti-Asian bias, xenophobia, and harassment that surfaced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were not even reported. We cannot allow these horrific acts to continue threatening the safety of AA and NHPI Americans — especially women, girls, and the elderly. These acts are wrong; they are un-American; and they must stop."
The proclamation outlined the executive orders and actions taken by his administration that will benefit the AANHPI communities, including:
- The executive order mandating all federal agencies to take steps to combat xenophobia, hate and discrimination;
- To the signing of bill making the Amache National Historic Site Act — to memorialize the 10,000 Japanese Americans who were unjustly imprisoned at Amache during World War II;
- The American Rescue Plan helped reduce poverty among AA and NHPI families by approximately 26 percent.
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