LANSING, MI - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in Michigan.  

“Michigan is a beacon of opportunity where people from all over the world came to for economic opportunity and success,” said Governor Whitmer. “In Michigan, we not only value and respect our differences, but we embrace them. During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate our state’s strong, vibrant Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Let’s keep working together to ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”   

“This month we recognize and celebrate the vibrant culture and contributions of the AAPI community here in the state of Michigan,” said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “I was proud to serve as the first Indian American elected to the State House in 2012, and to break that milestone again serving my first term in the Michigan Senate. The AAPI community has been an integral part of our state through building small businesses, advocacy, community development, the arts and so much more. Gov. Whitmer’s proclamation recognizing this month as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month honors and brings important awareness to those contributions.” 

“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing population in Michigan, and May is an important time to celebrate our communities' contributions, heritage, history and challenges,” said state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “I am proud to be Asian American and honored to serve alongside three other Asian Americans in the Michigan State Legislature, where we are working diligently to uplift the voices of our residents and get things done on language access, addressing gun violence, officially recognizing Fred Korematsu Day, protecting places of worship from desecration and more. Thank you to Gov. Whitmer for honoring the contributions of the AANHPI community here in Michigan and across the country by proclaiming May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”

“Diversity makes our country and state strong. Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate our community as the integral thread in the American tapestry that it is," said state Representative Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton). "AANHPIs make our nation more vibrant through diversity of cultures, languages, and religions. There is no single story of the AANHPI experience, but rather a diversity of contributions that enrich America’s culture and communities. In May and beyond, we celebrate this rich history.” 

“I am deeply honored to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month in Michigan, as the first Southeast Asian American serving in the House,” said state Representative Mai Xiong (D-Warren). “This month is a time for us to honor and share the incredible history of AANIHPI residents. Like my parents, who fled war and escaped persecution. Like thousands of other AANHPI who have thousands of stories to be told. Like my children, who I hope to inspire to be active members of their communities as they grow up and lead with compassion, understanding and enthusiasm for all people.” 

AAPI 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. Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the nation and Michigan, with approximately 377,181 Asian Americans in Michigan, making up 3.7% of the state’s population. 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. 

View the full proclamation here.