Biden honors contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May 8, 2023. FILE PHOTO (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has proclaimed May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, recognizing the “ingenuity, grit and perseverance” of these communities and their contributions to American society.

In his proclamation, Biden said AA and NHPI heritage “has long been a part of the history of our great country and a defining force in the soul of our Nation.”

Biden commended the diverse talents of individuals from these communities, highlighting their significant roles in various sectors including arts, journalism, healthcare and technology.

The president said he is proud that some of them are serving at the highest levels of his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Ambassador Katherine Tai, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar.

Addressing current challenges, Biden condemned racism, harassment  and hate crimes against AA and NHPI communities –  “a tragic reminder that hate never goes away; it only hides.”

“Hate must have no safe harbor in America — that is why I signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which makes it easier for Americans to report hate crimes, and I also hosted the first-ever White House summit against hate-fueled violence,” he said.

Biden urged all Americans to commemorate AA and NHPI Heritage Month through educational programs and activities.

Meanwhile, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center have unveiled their joint 2024 theme for AA and NHPI Heritage Month: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”

The White House and WHIAANHPI will use this theme to foster discussions during their May activities, including a landmark celebration on May 13, 2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC.

This historic convening, uniting over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders spanning five presidential administrations, will mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders during the Clinton Administration.

Sign up to receive the livestream link here.