[Lexington Minuteman] Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month declared in Lexington

Since 1978, people nationwide have celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month during May. In 1992, it was made into an official monthlong event.  Monday, Lexington leaders officially brought the celebration to home. The Select Board approved and signed a proclamation during their Monday meeting that will kick off a month of AAPI-focused initiatives designed to educate the public and recognize the vast contributions made by AAPI communities to Lexington and to the country as a whole.

“Diversity represents one of our greatest strengths, and by recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of AAPI persons, our town will put our values of inclusion into practice to build a brighter future for all of our residents,” the proclamation reads.

The Human Rights Committee has teamed up with various cultural groups in town like CAAL, IAL , and KoLex to sponsor a youth-focused program at the center of this work.

“Proud to be an American” is an initiative aimed at all students from preschool to 12th grade. It is not limited to Lexington students. Participants are encouraged to pick an Asian American or Pacific Islander to spotlight with either one or multiple submissions. Entries will consist of both visual and written components. The idea is to research AAPI persons to learn more about their contributions to America, and display this information in a video, artwork, an essay, or another medium. Famous historical figures are acceptable, but the organizers have made an effort to encourage people to pick someone born before 1950 that is not a mainstream celebrity.  Read more