Hochul issues proclamation celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

New Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month exhibit on display in New York State Capitol

√ Learn more about the exhibit here // read proclamation here

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday issued a proclamation celebrating May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The governor also announced the opening of “New York Stories: Voices from Asian American Pacific Islander Communities,” a new exhibition that celebrates the generational voices of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community who have made New York their home. The exhibit is located in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the New York State Capitol and will run throughout May's AAPI Heritage Month observance.

"New York state is proud to join in the national celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month," Hochul said. "New York has long served as a beacon of hope for immigrants and marginalized communities who are looking for a safe haven and a land of new opportunities. Our AAPI communities make us stronger, more resilient and more innovative, and I hope that this month brings great joy as many across the state celebrate their rich heritage."

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy said, "Gov. Hochul has identified the diversity of New York state's population as the source of its strength, and has made supporting our AAPI communities a priority of her administration. OGS is proud to have created a unique and informative AAPI Heritage Month display in the Capitol that celebrates the community's cultural and historic contributions to our state. We want to thank everyone who contributed to the production of this exciting exhibit."

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Exhibit

Hochul’s team said, “New York's AAPI population has grown to become the second-largest of any state in the nation. Through images and words, ‘The New York Stories: Voices from Asian American Pacific Islander Communities’ exhibit elevates the voices of the AAPI community with descriptions of resilience, sacrifice and community-building that contribute to the overarching ‘New York Story.’

“The exhibit delves into the influence that generations of New York's AAPI community have had on transforming cities into bustling economic and multicultural hubs, broadening the horizons of New Yorkers by introducing them to new cultures and traditions, and providing a welcoming environment for refugees and their families hoping to start a new life in the Empire State.”

The quotes on display in the exhibit are sample selections from longer statements and stories, which can be read or heard in full here.