Rep. Waters Commemorates, Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, commemorated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the following statement, and detailed her history serving Asian American and Pacific Islander constituents:

"Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders significantly contribute to our vibrant national identity, and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month invites us all to recognize and celebrate those contributions. The AAPI community in the United States is diverse and vibrant. We're enriched with over 16 million people representing 45 different ethnic groups and 28 languages. Additionally, AAPI individuals make up the fastest growing immigrant population in our country. My district is home to a large AAPI community, which grows each year as families come to the United States seeking opportunities in cities such as Los Angeles, Gardena, and Torrance.

I consider my participation in the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute's Day of Remembrance events as a top priority, which are organized by Executive Director Allison Kochiyama. I have witnessed the stories of many Japanese families who were victims of President Franklin Roosevelt's misguided and unfortunate Executive Order #9066, which unconstitutionally mandated the internment of approximately 120,000 people of Japanese descent during WWII. I am committed to protecting the rights of all citizens from these kinds of discriminatory policies.

Another privilege of serving my AAPI constituents was participating in the ceremonial presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to approximately 285 living Nisei veterans, widows, or next-of-kin relatives of the highly decorated Japanese American 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service for their courageous sacrifices and dedicated service during WWII. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, and it was presented to the recipients in 2012 at the "Go For Broke" monument in Little Tokyo, which is a tribute to the Constitution and the steadfast patriotism of the segregated Japanese American units during WWII.

Over the years I have been supportive of and honored by the Filipino Veterans Foundation, and in 2013, I joined with the City of Carson and the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in disaster relief efforts for victims of typhoon Haiyan, which devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, in early-November 2013

I'm also proud of my relationship with the Korean American community. I've participated in events ranging from those sponsored by the Korean American Foundation to the Korean Churches for Community Development's Home Ownership Fairs. The homeownership rate for Korean Americans in Los Angeles County is far below the rate of other demographics, and these home ownership fairs help people connect with various programs and resources to make home ownership a reality.

I will also never forget the 2013 "Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution" commemoration in Torrance, the first day in the U.S. to be named after an Asian-American. Mr. Korematsu resisted internment during WWII, took his case to the Supreme Court, and ultimately had his conviction overturned in 1983. We must never forget the challenges and obstacles overcome by so many members of the AAPI community in American history.

And just last month, I organized an event at the Japanese American National Museum to congratulate Gary Miyatake, a third-generation photographer in my district, as he unveiled his historic portrait of Cesar Chavez, an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist, who devoted his life to fair and just treatment for workers. The portrait will be displayed and stored at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

These are just a few of the many stories that I bring in joining the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to represent the voices of families in the APPI community in my district, who add their rich experiences and backgrounds to the diverse fabric of our nation.

Let's use this month to reflect on the value of such diversity, and reaffirm our commitment to a thriving American Dream."