County proclaims Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

We are grateful to be part of this big family of a very diverse [Asian American and Pacific Islander] organization. We hope to continue sharing our beautiful cultures with the community”

Asian Pacific Islander Coalition South Puget Sound Co-Chair/Program Director Lin Crowley

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

The BOCC said it is committed to recognizing all AAPI residents in Thurston County and providing comprehensive community support.

“We acknowledge Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is marked by deeply rooted history, including both proud and painful chapters and the challenges of institutional and systemic injustices,” the proclamation read.

Members of the AAPI community in the county also attended the BOCC meeting on Tuesday, May 2, to acknowledge the proclamation.

“We are grateful to be part of this big family of a very diverse AAPI organization. We hope to continue sharing our beautiful cultures with the community,” said Asian Pacific Islander Coalition South Puget Sound Co-Chair/Program Director Lin Crowley.

The United States celebrates the AAPI month to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the US on May 7, 1843.

President Jimmy Carter first celebrated it for one week. Then President George H.W. Bush expanded it to one month in 1992.