CCACC Actively Engages in AAPI Heritage Month Events

May is officially designated as Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated across the United States in various ways. This month honors the history and challenges of Asian Pacific Americans since their arrival in the mid-19th century, acknowledges their contributions to American society, and promotes awareness of Asian traditions and cultures.

With a mission to promote traditional culture, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) not only hosts an art exhibition celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at CCACC Art Gallery but also actively participates in and supports numerous events. These events are organized by entities such as the Maryland State Government, Montgomery County Government, Montgomery County Council, and Montgomery County Public Schools.

A variety of vibrant events

For CCACC, the reception for "The Art of Xiaosheng Bi" exhibition, celebrating AAPI Heritage Month, was successfully opened on May 11 at the CCACC Art Gallery. As a first-generation immigrant from China, artist Mr. Xiaosheng Bi continually innovates, blends and maintain unique styles. This exquisite exhibition attracted over a hundred attendees from various backgrounds. The exhibition runs until June 28.

Subsequently, on Sunday, May 19, under the leadership of Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu (the Director of CCACC Community Services) and Ms. Kate Lu (the Director of CCACC Health Center), the team participated in the “Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration” organized by Montgomery County Government. With the collaboration of 18 partners, the event at Seneca Valley High School attracted over 500 attendees for a meaningful day.

At noon on May 21, the Montgomery County Council held a celebration, including lunch and proclamation ceremony. Ms. Rita Lewi (the Executive Director of CCACC) and Ms. Li-fang C. Liu (the Deputy Executive Director of CCACC) attended the event. The proclamation ceremony took place in the Council Hearing Room, co-hosted by Mr. Andrew Friedson (the Montgomery County Council President) and Councilmember Ms. Kristin Mink, a first-generation Chinese American. The event began with a video highlighting three outstanding Asian Pacific Americans who have made remarkable contributions, followed by each Councilmember reading a portion of the proclamation.

The proclamation acknowledges Asian Pacific Americans

The proclamation states that there are over 162,000 residents in Montgomery County who identify as Asian Pacific American or Pacific Islander, representing over 15% of the county's population. They come from over 37 countries of origin and over 20 different ethnic groups. The theme for this year's AAPI Heritage Month is "Elevating Leaders Through Innovation." We reaffirm our commitment to embracing diversity, enriching our county, and ensuring equal opportunities for all in our community. After the proclamation ceremony, the council members and attendees took a group photo.

In the midst of busy schedules, on the afternoon of May 21, Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu and her team members also attended the celebration organized by Montgomery County Public Schools. The event featured impressive student performances, cultural displays, and cuisine booths. Despite its modest scale, it provided an opportunity for teachers and students to fully appreciate the significance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

The following evening, on May 22, Ms. Rita Lewi accompanied by Ms. May Zhou (the Executive Secretary), once again attended the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration organized by the Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives at Montgomery College. Ms. Aruna Miller (the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland) delivered the keynote speech in person, while Mr. Wes Moore (the Governor of Maryland) addressed the audience via video message. Attendees included Ms. Susan C. Lee (the Secretary of State), Mr. Lawrence E. Walker (the Executive Director of Governor's Office of Community Initiatives), Ms. Christina Poy (Administrative Director of Governor's Office of Community Initiatives), Ms. Monique Ashton (the Mayor of Rockville), along with various officials, legislators, community leaders, and representatives.

Proud of our diverse heritage

Lieutenant Governor Miller remarked, "We are incredibly proud to have the most diverse cabinet in the history of Maryland." It's widely known that Ms. Miller is the first Asian American female lieutenant governor of Maryland. She immigrated from India to the United States with her family at the age of seven and has steadily risen in the political arena through hard work and dedication.

It's worth mentioning that at the beginning of the event, 12-year-old Janice Hu performed the national anthem. Janice Hu is a student at CCACC Academy. She has been studying vocal music for six years. She is also an outstanding student of Ms. Avery Wan (the Principal & Operating Director of CCACC Academy). Furthermore, the organizers went the extra mile by presenting guests with Hawaiian leis to wear around their necks, highlighting one of the distinctive features of Asian Pacific American traditional culture.

Like other Asian Pacific American organizations, CCACC contributes its efforts to celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. As Governor Moore emphasized, to ensure that no one is left behind, we need to bring everyone together. We recognize the profound economic contributions and rich heritage shared by the Asian American, Pacific Islander communities, and all of us.

（Article by CCACC Administrative Office）