Press Release: City of Albany Proclamation of API Month 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Albany, CA - May 6, 2024 - The City of Albany has once again proclaimed May as API Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions, history, and culture of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities in the United States. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that the city has made this proclamation, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The proclamation ceremony took place on May 6, 2024 during the City Council meeting, and was attended by members of the Albany API - Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG), including Lucy Chen, an award-winning author and executive coach who serves as the chair of the organization. While accepting the proclamation, Lucy expressed, “Having grown up in China, I embarked on my journey to America in May 1994 to pursue my American dream. It is truly an honor to be here today. I am immensely proud of the City of Albany for acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of Asian communities.”
Founded in the midst of the Stop Asian Hate movement in 2021, Albany API - PEG is a group dedicated to promoting diversity within the Albany school district. The organization works on political issues, creates community, and offers resources to API parents in the Albany area. Over the past four years, Albany API - PEG has organized numerous activities, including Stop Asian Hate rallies, school year diversity assembly speaking, fall mixers, Lunar New Year celebrations, API community potlucks, and monthly speaker series. With approximately 200 members, the organization has provided vital support and connections within the API community.
The proclamation of API Heritage Month by the City of Albany is significant to the API community as it reaffirms the city's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It serves as a testament to the contributions and importance of API communities in Albany and beyond.
Past years’ proclamations are available here. 2021; 2022; 2023
For more information about Albany API - Parent Engagement Program, please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118636015319556.
Contact:
Lucy Chen, Chair, Albany Asian Pacific Islanders - Parent Engagement Group, 2023-2024
Email: lucy@giftedcoaching.info
Lucy Chen with Mayor and City Council members