Orange County Recognizes 2017 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County’s Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recognized Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a proclamation and a festive cultural celebration held on the lawn of the Orange County Administration Center organized by employees and community partners on May 23.
The event, now in its fifth year, was coordinated by the Orange County Asian Committee (OCAC), an employee-based volunteer organization formed in 2012. OCAC’s goal is to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Asian Americans, while forming partnerships throughout the community and building relationships with local and international governments.
“This event gives us the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the enormously valuable contributions of our Asian American employees and citizens, and the incredibly positive impact that Asian Pacific history, art, music, and traditions have had on our Central Florida community,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Every day we celebrate the rich diversity and culture that serves as the fabric of our community. This month in particular, we are deeply proud to celebrate and explore Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”
The event included a children’s art exhibit, cultural performances and traditional Asian breakfast for all participants. Additionally, the winners of the student art contest were announced. The art is displayed in the Orange County Administration Center lobby through the month of May.
“We are so honored to have our community celebrate our diversity and recognize the 2017 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with us,” said Hefang Lin, Ph.D., president of OCAC and statistician for Orange County Corrections. “This morning’s celebration was a tremendous opportunity to recognize the diverse culture of Asian Americans and their tremendous accomplishments and contributions here in Orange County and across the nation.”
Orange County’s District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, District 2 Commissioner Bryan Nelson, District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke, District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla and District 6 Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin attended the cultural celebration. After the event, Mayor Jacobs and the BCC provided a proclamation to OCAC recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and named May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Orange County.
This year’s theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is “Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together.”
