By JC Medina
The Lacey City Council proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the community’s contributions to the city and the broader region during its meeting on Tuesday, May 6.
Council members read the proclamation, which recognizes the achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in areas ranging from public service and education to culture and innovation.
According to the proclamation, AAPI residents make up nearly 12% of Lacey’s population.
“We honor and celebrate the legacy, rich heritage and strength of our community members,” the recognition read.
The proclamation highlighted that Lacey remains committed in providing comprehensive support to make Lacey equitable and welcoming to all community members.
“The City also recognizes that throughout our history individuals and communities of Asian Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent have been the target of violence discrimination and disenfranchisement efforts to restrict immigration and other xenophobic policies at the federal, state and local levels,” the proclamation states.
Mustafa Mohamedali, a member of the Islamic Center of Olympia, accepted the proclamation and spoke about the Southeast Asian community’s history, including people who arrived in Washington seeking refuge from the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.
“This month has taken on an added significance with the rise in hate crimes and discrimination targeting individuals across the country,” he said.
“We work with community leaders and organizations to raise awareness of these issues and to promote unity and solidarity among all communities.”
Mohamedali emphasized that this month’s proclamation is a reminder of the ongoing work needed to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
wolfmanner
When are we going to get European Heritage month ?????????????????
Wednesday, May 14 Report this
Yeti1981
May is also Military Appreciation Month...
Wednesday, May 14 Report this
CPWINOLY
I always laugh when I see offended straight white men (of which I am one) ask why there isn't a straight, European, Christian, etc appreciation month. Guess what you of weak egos... every month on this continent for the last 400 years has been European appreciation month. That's because straight, white, European Americans have, and continue to control the economic and political power in this country. The reason why we have Asian heritage month ( and Pride Week, and African American History month, etc) is because these Americans have been terrorized and oppressed in this country by European Americans. Don't believe me? Look up the Chinese exclusion act, the internment of the Japanese during WWII and the continuing abuse of our LGBT+ citizens and the institutionalized racism against people of color. If you are a straight, white (or white passing) male in the country, there is no one oppressing you, except for Trump who has swindled you into believing he has your interests at heart. So if you really want a European Heritage month you can always move back to Europe, though I doubt that most Europeans would want to have anything to do with you.
Wednesday, May 14 Report this