May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

In June 1977, Representatives Norman Y Mineta (CA) and Frank Horton (NY) introduced a House Resolution that  would eventually become Asian Pacific American (APA) Month. Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, both of Hawaii introduced the Senate bill one month later. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. Today, APA Heritage month is celebrated across the nation, including King County, to honor and celebrate the contributions the diverse communities that make up the Asian Pacific American community. Learn More about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events.

U.S. Senate Votes for Benefits for Filipino Veterans

After six decades, Filipino veterans who served side by side U.S. soldiers during World War II, may finally win their benefits as promised in 1941 by President Roosevelt. On April 24, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed S. 1315 by a vote of 96-1 to provide the 18,000 Filipino veterans who are still alive veterans status and pension benefits equal to U.S. soldiers. The bill was sponsored by U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, Senate Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee and Senator Daniel Inouye. The bill now moves to the House for debate and a floor vote. If the bill passes, it will go to the President for signature.

Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement Launched!

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of America alone, 12,000 African-American boys wait to be matched with a male mentor. Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement is a call-to-action for every capable and willing adult to rise to the challenge of creating a positive impact in the lives of our youth. Susan Taylor, former Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine, joined King County community leaders last month to ensure that we are part of the effort to recruit 1 million African American men and women nationwide as mentors. Locally, the 4C Coalition is the lead organization in this effort.  For more information and to join me in this important work, visit the 4C Coalition at www.the4ccoalition.org.

40th Anniversary Events in the Struggle for Civil Rights and Equality

1968 was an important year locally, nationally and internationally for people’s struggles for equality and justice. Two important groups will be honored for their important contributions to this movement.

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