Kim hosts celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, joined legislators, community members and fellow Asian Americans to celebrate the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.

The event also celebrated the formation of the Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus. The goal of the caucus is to ensure the full participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and reflect the concerns and needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

“This is about giving Asian Americans a voice in our state legislature and also creating a group that gives us a way to share a piece of our heritage,” Kim said. “I’m so happy to see so many people of different backgrounds come out to celebrate with us.”

The Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus is comprised of members of the General Assembly who have a strong dedication to addressing the needs and promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Personal experiences about life as an Asian American were shared by state Rep. Tarik Khan, state Rep. Arvind Venkat and Hossain Akbar. PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton and state Sens. Nikil Saval and Maria Collett also spoke at the event. 

The event began and closed with performances by the Nandanik Dance Troupe, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization that seeks to promote, propagate and preserve Indian classical dance styles in US.

“It is a privilege to be part of a committee that will highlight and showcase everything our community has to offer,” Kim said. “This is an effort that will capture our contributions, celebrate our heritage, and build upon our lasting legacy.”

As chair of the newly formed committee, Kim highlighted that PLAPAC is a non-partisan and bicameral and said she hopes every legislator in the state can be involved and benefit from this caucus.

A video of the AAPI/PLAPAC conference can be found here.