Refugee Congress Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For Immediate Release: May 31, 2022
WASHINGTON–Refugee Congress proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May. During this special time and throughout the year, we seek to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and cultural contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
“As we celebrate AAPI Month, we must uplift marginalized voices that are often absent from our mainstream narrative,” said Hans How, Refugee Congress Delegate for Northern California. “People from Asia, and in particular Southeast Asia, represent the largest refugee group ever to resettle in the U.S. Their stories of resilience in the face of extreme adversity represent important American stories that should be celebrated and embraced.”
As May comes to a close, Refugee Congress vows to continue raising concern and awareness about racism and violence toward AAPI communities throughout the year. The recent rise in violence and harassment during the COVID-19 pandemic and long history of racism toward Asian Americans in the U.S. are unacceptable.
"In recent years, the meaning of Asian American History and Heritage Month has been overshadowed by hatred, racism and violence against our Asian community,” said Nga Vương-Sandoval, Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate. “For me, May is now a powerful reminder of our individual and collective strength as Asians. It symbolizes the solidarity from Asians and allies alike. It reaffirms that hatred against our community and in all forms will not be tolerated. It's a testament to the fact that we as Asians belong."
Refugee Congress is committed to addressing the deeply rooted systems of racial inequity and calls on everyone to stand against racial injustice and violence.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
