Senate approves resolution declaring May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a resolution Thursday recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.  Senate Resolution 20 was authored by Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd. Leaders and members of the Asia Society of Oklahoma, Asian District Cultural Association, and Taiwanese Association of Oklahoma were present for the reading of the resolution.

“Nearly three percent of all Oklahomans are Asian American or Pacific Islander, with origins in Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, Vietnam, Hawaii, Guam, Samoa and other Pacific Islands,” said Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.  “They’re making important contributions in our business communities, science and technology, medicine, education, the arts, and much more.  Our state is richer for their presence here in countless ways.”

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in May because the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States in May of 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed in May of 1869 with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants.  Today, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is a diverse population, comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 100 language dialects.

Floyd represents much of Oklahoma City’s vibrant Asian District, created in the 1970s by Vietnam immigrants, and known for its Asian fusion cuisine and businesses.

Contact: Democratic Leader Kay Floyd
Capitol: (405) 521-5610