Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County\u2019s Board of County Commissioners (BCC) marked Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May by attending a festive cultural celebration held on the lawn of the Orange County Government\u2019s Administration Center organized by employees and community partners.<\/p>\n
The event, now in its third year, was coordinated by the Orange County Asian Committee (OCAC), an employee-based volunteer organization formed in 2012 with the goal of promoting and preserving the heritage and culture of Asian Americans, forming partnerships throughout the community, and building relationships with local and international governments.<\/p>\n
Mayor Jacobs provided her remarks at the event, joining Orange County District 2 Commissioner Bryan Nelson, District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke, District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, District 5 Commissioner Ted Edwards and District 6 Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout the history of our nation, and right here in Central Florida, Asian Americans have helped shape our character, bringing vibrant cultural practices to our neighborhoods and communities,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cAs one of the most culturally inclusive communities in the United States, Orange County is committed to promoting and preserving this heritage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMany Cultures, One Voice: Promote Equality and Inclusion,\u201d is the theme for the 2015 Asian Pacific Heritage Month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThough we all descend from different backgrounds, it is important to embrace the growing diversity of our society,\u201d said Hefang Lin, Ph.D., president of OCAC and statistician for Orange County Corrections. \u201cProsperous communities are built upon the principles of understanding and equality among each and every citizen. Through appreciation, open-mindedness and unity, we can strengthen our bonds as a community and continue to share the traditions of our cultures over the coming years.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Distinguished Asian Award was presented to retired U.S. Navy Capt. Steve \u201cSnak\u201d Nakagawa who is the executive director of the STEM Alliance of Central Florida and director of workforce programs for the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The Outstanding Community Service Award winner was Shally Wong, publisher of Asia Trend Magazine and executive director of Asia Trend\/YESS Center. Additionally, the winners of the student art contest were announced. The art was displayed in the Orange County Government Administration Center lobby.<\/p>\n
Music was performed by Professor Qiuyu Zhou and student Rong Tong; and by the \u201cNotes\u201d trio of Corey Hsiao, University High School, Jenna Chen, Winter Park High School, and Caitlin Chen, Sanford Middle School. The traditional Lion Dance was performed by the Orlando Lions group and the Indian dance was performed by the Bollywood Dance Academy.<\/p>\n
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Congressional Resolution establishing the first week in May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1992, the week was expanded to a month long celebration by President George H. W. Bush.<\/p>\n