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Statement by Ambassador Katherine Tai on the Start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 01, 2022

As we begin Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am proud to join members of the Biden-Harris Administration and Americans nationwide to celebrate this month’s theme: “Building Legacy Together: Our Communities’ Journey of Strength and Resilience.”
 
The last several years have highlighted the need to confront racism, xenophobia, structural inequality, and injustice in our society.  Shortly after taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris initiated an unprecedented, whole-of-government commitment and investment in equity, justice, and opportunity for historically overlooked and underserved communities.
 
USTR is proud to advance this endeavor by pursuing a worker-centered trade policy that delivers equitable and inclusive economic prosperity to all Americans, including AANHPI entrepreneurs and small business owners.  I am also honored to co-chair the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian American, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which President Biden established through an Executive Order last year.  Through this work, we are engaging with stakeholders to determine how government can be a force for good for AA and NHPI communities.
 
More broadly, it is important to celebrate the perseverance and determination that our communities have displayed throughout our country’s history.  We should recognize the trailblazers and ancestors who paved the way for us and future generations to succeed and thrive.  This month, we honor them and all they have done as we recommit to the work that lies ahead.
 

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