Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and leaders from communities across the state gathered on May 20 at the State House to commemorate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Secretary Yvonne Hao from the Office of Economic Development presided over the event as the master of ceremony. Gov. Healey and Sec. Hao recognized the significant contributions of five community leaders: Lydia Lowe, director of the Chinatown Community Land Trust; Helen Chin Schlichte, co-founder and president emeritus and current board of director at South Cove Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility; Paul Lee, founder and current chair of the steering committee of the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation and the Asian Business Empowerment Council; Tuyet Tran, executive director of Southeast Asian Coalition; and Suzanne Lee, community activist and former Boston school teacher and principal
“We are very lucky in our state of Massachusetts that we have such an awesome, strong, vibrant, diverse, committed Asian American and native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community. We have so many leaders across the private sector, the public sector, academia, state government, city government, nonprofit, and we work together and support each other,” said Hao. “One of the reasons we want to celebrate these five leaders is because they are role models and examples of how to really play a big role and have a big impact in our community. Each of the five of them, they all got involved in convening, worked on big problems and found good solutions and made such a huge difference so that’s why we all want to be more like these five people.”
Healey stressed the state’s commitment to ensuring community safety and combating discrimination and hate in all forms. Additionally, she outlined initiatives to enhance affordability in Massachusetts, including policies on affordable housing, free community college for adults aged 25 and above, and free school meals for K-12 students. She also emphasized the importance of protecting civil rights and fostering equality and diversity within the state. Secretary Yvonne Hao reiterated the focus on economic development, particularly for the AANHPI community, by offering the highest-ever grants – small business technical assistance and other opportunities to assist small businesses.
“Today is great celebration,” said Healey, but added, “this should not be the only time that people come to the State House; we want you to here every day.”
Paul Lee said he felt it was wonderful for Asian leaders to be recognized, and that “we’ve been invisible for so long.” He said he hopes the event will encourage others to become involved.
”I am really grateful to be here today,” said Tuyet Tran. “As an Asian community, we can talk and share more resources that we have and offer.”