Vidarbha News

Montgomery County hosted its 2^nd annual “Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration” on Sunday May 21, 2023. This event was sponsored by the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships (OCP), with support from the AAHI Steering Committee and the County Executive’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group. 

It is estimated that nearly 42% of the state of Maryland’s Asian American population lives in Montgomery County. Accounting for nearly 16% of the County population, the Asian American and Pacific Islander population is made up of over 20 different ethnic subgroups. In addition to being ethnically diverse, the Asian American population is also diverse in employment and is vital to the economic growth of the county. 

This annual event is to honor and recognize the rich diversity of the AAPI communities in Montgomery County. The event was strongly supported by over 30 Asian community organizations, government agencies, local non-profits, and healthcare providers. The event included a mini-health fair that offered community health services including bone density, blood pressure, body composition, hepatitis, and carbon monoxide screenings, COVID-19 vaccinations, Narcan training, and mental health, nutrition, opioid, and senior wellness education. Additionally, there was a community resource fair where AAPI community organizations highlighted their services and educated the public on their heritage. Other components of the event included thirteen different cultural performances that represented several Asian cultures, and interactive children’s activities. Ultimately, the event highlighted the contributions of AAPI-serving and AAPI-led organizations in Montgomery County.

In addition, the celebration also included remarks from local, and state elected officials, including County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland State Delegate Sarah Wolek, Montgomery County Councilmembers Kristin Mink, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Marilyn Balcombe, representatives from Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Will Jawando’s offices, and Montgomery County Sheriff Maxwell Uy.  County Executive Marc Elrich presented a proclamation to recognize and celebrate the AAPI community: “The Asian American and Pacific Islander community is now one of the fastest-growing communities in Montgomery County, representing over 16 percent of the total population; and has made innumerable contributions to the economic, cultural, and civic growth of Montgomery County…”

(Marc Enrich with elected local and state officials, Kristin Mink, Laurie-Anne Sayles, and Marilyn Balcombe, representatives from Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Will Jawando’s offices and Rose Hong, Emcee)

(County Executive Marc Elrich presented Proclamations to the Asian Community Leaders)

The highlights of the event included cultural performances, a mini-health fair, a community resource fair, arts & crafts for children, free henna and face painting, and local food vendors…

The cultural performances were warmly received and presented by over 10 community organizations including Cambodians of Washington Metropolitan Area, Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington, Global Dragon TV, Chinese American Community Health Services, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Coordination Council of Chinese American Associations, Happy Life Vietnamese Senior Group, Mabuhay Inc. Dance Troupe, Natanajali School of Dance, Vietnamese American Services, and Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club…

(Chinese Qipao Dance “Women are Like a Book” was inspired by Rose Hong’s newly published book “Vanished”, showcased award-winning arts by Asian American artists. The dance was presented by the Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington/Virginia Qipao Association.)

(Happy Life Vietnamese Senior Group Dance)

The entire event was organized by Ms. Sanjana Quasem and Ms. Tammy Wan of the Asian American Health Initiative, under Montgomery County DHHS and by Yi Shen, the County Executive’s Asian Community Liaison, under the Office of Community Partnerships.

The event was supported by over 30 Asian community organizations and attended by over 600 people as a major county event to recognize and celebrate AAPI community.

(Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington had a large presence representing over 70 Chinese alumni groups with over 30 years history.)

(Marc Elrich at the Chinese Alumni Association of Greater Washington booth with the President of the association Dr. Cherry Ping)

The organizer plans to continue AAPI Heritage Month Celebration in 2024! For more information about Montgomery County, please visit www.AAHIinfo.org.  The organizer plans to continue AAPI Heritage Month Celebration in 2024! For more information about Montgomery County, please visit Montgomery County – Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Community Affairs – Minority Health Programs – Asian American Health Initiative (montgomerycountymd.gov)

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