Colorado cities recognize AANHPI Heritage Month

Across the nation, cities celebrated May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month including Colorado cities of Aurora and Colorado Springs.

A proclamation from The White House reads: “ During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities; of brave immigrants who, motivated by the promise of possibilities, picked up their lives and found new homes here; of na- tive peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial; and of community leaders shaping a brighter future for us all.”

In Colorado Springs, Sandy Ho worked with Councilwoman Yolanda Avila to put forth a resolution to formally recognize May as AANHPI Heritage Month in Colorado Springs. On April 25, the motion was unanimously approved by the Colorado Spings City Council.

On May 22, Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council also issued a proclamation for AAPI Heritage Month during the Aurora Council formal meeting. Steering Commit- tee members of the Aurora Asian/ Pacific Community Partnership received the proclamation and were recognized for their contributions.

Founded 30 years ago, the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership is a nonprofit organization working with the community toward creating and maintaining a high quality of life for all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents and businesses of Aurora.

In recent years, the recognition of “Native Hawaiians” has been added to the Asian American and Pacific Islander distinction.