721 Members Celebrate Asian Heritage Month

The Asian Pacific Islander Caucus celebrated Asian Heritage Month on May 19, 2012, at the LA County Federation of Labor. Members decorated the room with flags of different Asian countries. The event was attended by SEIU 721 members, family, friends and elected officials, including US Congresswoman Judy Chu, California State Assemblymember Mike Eng, El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero, and Alhambra School District Board of Education member Bob Gin. Also present were LACERA board members Yves Chery, and Simon Russin, who is running for re-election.
The event highlighted the history and timeline of Asian immigration to the United States since the 1700s. Emphasis was put on the contributions Asian immigrants made toward building the nation, starting with their experiences during the gold rush and the building of the transcontinental railway. Also discussed were the hardships and discrimination Asians immigrants have experienced, from the Chinese Exclusion act of 1882 to hardships during World War I and the internment of the Japanese during World War II.
 
In a brief interview, Congresswoman Chu stressed the importance of remembering our history and celebrating our achievements, and thanked SEIU 721 members for celebrating diversity and their continued support for the Asian communities. Click below to hear Congresswoman Chu’s remarks.
 
For more information, visit the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus’ web page or contact Daphne Teoh at 626-755-5034 or by email at dpteoh@aol.com.