LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in Michigan.
“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI Michiganders who make Michigan stronger every day,” said Governor Whitmer. “From starting small businesses to serving on the frontlines of health care, education, and public service, this community plays a vital role in shaping the future of Michigan. I’m proud to stand with AAPI leaders and families to build a more inclusive Michigan where everyone can thrive.”
“Asian American and Pacific Islander Michiganders are leaders in every sector, and their stories are central to Michigan’s story,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This month, we celebrate their achievements, recognize their resilience, and recommit to building a Michigan where every person, no matter their background, can live with dignity, opportunity and hope.”
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843, and marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, in which the majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. This month recognizes and celebrates the many significant cultural, historical, and economic contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to Michigan and the United States.
“Michigan’s diversity of people, viewpoints and experiences is one of our greatest strengths. Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate our community’s role in the story of America,” said House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). “AANHPI communities across the state reflect cultures from all parts of Asia, helping shape the fabric of Michigan that we all know and love. This month and beyond, I’m proud to honor the contributions, past and present, of AANHPI Michiganders.”
“From the 19th century to now, Asian American Pacific Islander communities have played a significant role in shaping the history and culture our state, leaving a lasting mark on Michigan’s economy, identity, and overall development,” said Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “As the first Indian American elected to the Michigan Senate, I am incredibly proud to serve AAPI community members and all Michiganders at our state Capitol, where my colleagues and I are committed to ensuring all voices have a say in building the future of our state. During this Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our AAPI community members in Michigan and lift up the many ways they have enriched our state.”
“Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an important time for us to celebrate the many contributions of the AAPI community to Michigan’s economy, education system, culture, and communities,” said state Senator Stephanie Chang(D-Detroit). “Now more than ever, we should lift up AAPI history, triumphs and struggles — stories of AAPI immigrant entrepreneurs and innovators, AAPI teachers who are educating our next generation, AAPI doctors and nurses who are healing our loved ones, and AAPI service workers who improve our quality of life. As a proud daughter of Taiwanese American immigrants, I am excited to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month throughout the month and will continue to work alongside our community partners and my colleagues to advance issues facing AAPI Michiganders.”
“The experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are woven into the very fabric of our state and nation,” said state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren). “This month, let’s recommit to honoring and learning about the generations of AANHPI families whose resilience, strength and contributions continue to shape our history.”
“As we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month, we acknowledge the significant contributions of Asian Americans to our nation,” said Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. “This month is an opportunity to appreciate their diverse cultures and stories that enrich our society. It’s essential to promote inclusion and ensure that Asian American voices are heard and respected. Together, let us strive for a future that values diversity and fosters understanding among all communities.”
“Asian Americans have had a profound impact on Michigan’s history, contributing for over a hundred years to the state’s vibrant cultural fabric as community leaders, creatives, educators and tradition bearers in addition to powering the state economy through business, research and technological innovation,” said Jasmine Rivera, Co-Executive Director of Rising Voices. “Heritage Month is an opportunity for our communities to be celebrated, not just for these historic contributions as immigrants and the descendants of immigrants but also for the power our families hold as the fastest growing population in the country. As Michiganders whose votes will decide the course of the state and nation our AAPI communities must be seen and our voices heard, and we thank the Governor for honoring our shared past, hopeful present and limitless future.”
“Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and economic impact of our communities,” said Duc Nguyen Abrahamson Executive Director Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. “From first-generation entrepreneurs to corporate trailblazers, AAPI is helping shape Michigan’s future, advancing innovation, creating jobs, and building bridges across cultures. Honoring our heritage means investing in opportunity and ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive.”
