Today, the Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus joined the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, APIAVote-MI and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to host an Asian Pacific American Heritage and Legislative Day at the state Capitol in Lansing, with former Wayne State University Law School Dean Frank Wu delivering the keynote address. Wu is also the first Asian Pacific American professor hired to teach at Howard Law School, and currently serves as distinguished professor at UC Hastings. More than 100 Asian Pacific Americans from around the state joined the celebration.
“Since the Asian Pacific American Caucus took shape, its mission has always been to not only bring awareness to APA issues, but to celebrate those individuals of Asian Pacific ancestry that have made an impact in the United States,” House Democratic Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) said. “Frank Wu is one of those extraordinary individuals that has paved his own path in life to be a strong voice for Asian Pacific Americans everywhere.”
The state of Michigan is fortunate to be home to more than 300,000 residents of Asian and Pacific Island descent. Asian Pacific Americans comprise one of the fastest-growing populations in both the state and the nation. In fact, Asian Pacific Americans were also the largest-growing population in Michigan, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
“It is great to have so many Asian Pacific Americans join us today, representing a variety of heritages and a variety of communities in Michigan,” Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) said. “These individuals have contributed so much to our nation and our state, and I appreciate the opportunity to thank them and celebrate our culture together.”
The Asian and Pacific Island regions are tremendously diverse, with more than thirty countries, sixteen major ethnic groups, nine languages, and numerous belief systems bringing their culture to Michigan.
“It was truly an honor to have Frank Wu speak today and lay out a strong future hope for Asian Pacific Americans in our country, while giving us insight into the past as well,” said state Representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “The APA Caucus is dedicated to fulfilling those hopes of all Asian Pacific Americans through advocacy, legislation here in Lansing and shining a spotlight where attention is lacking for many individuals.”