Jesse White hosts Asian Pacific American Heritage celebration

On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 more than 300 people in Chicago, attended an event organized by the Illinois Secretary of State Asian American Advisory Council to celebrate 18th annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Chicago. The event held every year at the James R. Thompson Center, Chicago Noon to 1 p.m.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year on May to pay tribute to the contributions generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have made to American history, society and culture.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration is one of the awaited celebrations in Chicagoland area. Joanie Lum, reporter, Fox 32 News Chicago and Ravi Baichwal from ABC7 was the moderators of the event who thanked the community members who have attended this event and he also thanks to the participants, special guests and speakers.

Welcome address was conducted by Sam Ma, AAAC Council Chairperson. The event featured cultural performances from the Xilin Art Academy and the Bharatam academy of Dance Arts share their Customs and culture with us through special performances. Ravi Baichwal recites the Pledge of Allegiance and "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung by Yesoe Yoon.

The opening remarks were presented by Jesse White, Secretary of State. Speaking on the occasion He said "As Secretary Of State, it's my honor to welcome you to the secretary of state's annual Asian Pacific American heritage month celebration. It is a privilege to welcome and celebrate the legacies of these prestigious individuals. I look forward to the continued success of Illinois outstanding Asian Pacific American community".

Dr. John A Kalapurakal, MD. Vice Chair, Northwestern Medicine, Professor of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery received the Special Humanitarian Service Award. He also served as the keynote speaker for the event.

Commissioner Josina Morita with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago was honored with the Judge Laura C. Liu Trailblazer Award. Bala Ghimire was honored with Appreciation Award. Austin Prabhu received the Humanitarian Excellence Award. Stephanie Chan Vo honored with the Volunteer Achievement Award. Rebecca Yemin Shi was honored with the Community Leadership Award.

Arshia Hasnain, Executive Director of Suzy's Place was honored with the community service Award for her humanitarianism and activism. Her fight for domestic violence victims, provides emergency and transitional housing, and services, to women survivors of domestic violence through Suzy's Place. Several other individuals also honored with the community service Awards name were Neelofar Kanji, Yolanda Tubalina, Murad Husain, Kakrasana Nugroho, fujima Shunojo, Bok Hyung An, Azelena Ali Vandre, Satya Chaudhary, Mimi Moore, James Eursiriwan, and Jennifer Pham.