Stepping into our Power as Asian Pacific Islander Americans: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month 2024
/A Statement from PIVOT
As May unfolds, we step into a month celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage. It's a time to honor the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. In this commemorative month, PIVOT, the Vietnamese American Progressive Organization, stands alongside millions across the nation to amplify voices, recognize achievements, and prepare for the pivotal role AAPIs will play in the 2024 elections.
AAPI Heritage Month traces its roots back to the recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978. Within the mosaic of AAPI identities, Vietnamese Americans have carved out a distinctive place, enriching the cultural landscape of our nation. From the arrival of the first Vietnamese refugees following the fall of Saigon in 1975 to the vibrant communities thriving across America today, the story of Vietnamese Americans is one of perseverance, courage, and resilience.
From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the serene landscapes of the Pacific Islands, each community adds vibrancy and depth to the American tapestry. This month, we celebrate the diversity that enriches our nation and pledge to amplify the voices of those too often marginalized or overlooked.
As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we also recognize the significant role that Asian Pacific Islander Americans will play in the upcoming 2024 elections. As the single fastest-growing voting demographic in America, AAPIs are poised to shape the political landscape at local, state, and federal levels. Vietnamese Americans, in particular, are positioned to play pivotal roles in key races that will determine the direction of our country. Just as in driving, where "D" moves us forward and "R" moves us backward, the choices we make in these elections will chart the course of our nation's future.
Yet, as we celebrate the achievements of AAPI communities and prepare for the elections, we cannot ignore the challenges that persist. From systemic discrimination to fearsome episodes of anti-Asian violence, our journey towards a truly peaceful society, which Dr. Martin Luther King Junior said was “not the merely the absence of tension, but the presence of justice” is far from over. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we stand in solidarity, advocate for justice, and work towards a future where all AAPI people and our Black and Brown brothers and sisters can thrive without fear or prejudice.
At PIVOT, we are dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Through grassroots activism, community engagement, and policy advocacy, we strive to uplift Vietnamese Americans and AAPI communities across the nation. This AAPI Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to building a future where our diversity is recognized as a strength, and every voice is heard.
As we embark on this journey of reflection, celebration, and preparation for the 2024 elections, let us remember the sacrifices of those who paved the way before us and the resilience of those who continue to fight for a better tomorrow. Together, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a more inclusive future for all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
With unwavering pride and determination,
Ky-Nam Miller, Secretary, PIVOT | the Progressive Vietnamese American Organization