WELCOME to the 2009 CELEBRATION

PRESS CONFERENCE | PROCLAMATION CEREMONY | COMMUNITY RECEPTION | SPONSORS

May 2009: Watch the video!

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The theme of San Francisco's celebration this year is Celebrate Heritage, Celebrate Community. Pursuant to United States Census information, the Asian Pacific Islander American community consists of over 50 ethnic groups. As we celebrate our collective heritage, we treasure and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the community as one and at the same time, the uniqueness of each ethnic culture that is part of the family.

Our community could not have been better described than in the remarks made by Congressman Norman Mineta's on the floor of the House of Representatives in 1977 as he advocated for a law authorizing the celebration of Asian Pacific American heritage, "...rather than the 'melting pot of the world,' this country is really more like tapestry with yarns of different fabrics and colors, interwoven to bring strength to the total tapestry of our country and yet with its differing colors- vivid and strong, signifying the cultural and social heritage of our citizens' ancestral homes."

Thirty two years later, this statement continues to ring true. The Asian Pacific American community has been an integral part of San Francisco's history and development and is proud of its continuous contributions. Please join us in our celebration and take some time to learn more about the rich and diverse culture of the community.

Claudine Cheng, Chair
Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration Committee