Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic celebrated Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage by recognizing a select group of community leaders for their dedication and hard work. Honorees included Peter Tu, Executive Director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association; Sarah BJ Sung, Board Chair of the Korean American Family Service Center; Deepak Eric Kumar, Tri-State Regional Chairman of South Asian Business Alliance Network; and Amy and Hsi Pei Liao, Founders of Safe Streets.

“Asian Americans continue to make great contributions to our community and country,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “It is my privilege to recognize these outstanding leaders who live in my district, and who have done remarkable work in making New York a better place.”

The event is co-hosted by Congresswoman Grace Meng, Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senator Tony Avella, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Council Member Peter Koo, Council Member Rory Lancman, Council Member Paul Vallone, and Council Member Mark Weprin.

“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for Americans to recognize the important culture and traditions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng “and I am happy to serve as the honorary host for this celebration.”

Comptroller Scott Stringer stated: “As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the service, sacrifices and the many tremendous contributions of the AAPI community in Queens and throughout New York City. My thanks to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for hosting tonight’s celebration and for her continued advocacy on behalf of the AAPI community.”

“The Asian American Pacific Islander community is a vital part of our diverse borough and has done many amazing things that have helped make Queens the wonderful and unique place that it is,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “I am proud to be part of this event and I commend Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Congresswoman Grace Meng and my fellow co-sponsors for organizing and participating in this special celebration. I also want to congratulate tonight’s honorees and thank them for all they have done on behalf of our Queens community.”

“I congratulate Assemblywoman Nily Rozic on hosting the second annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration,” said Senator Tony Avella. “She has done a fantastic job at representing the diverse constituency within her District. I am also proud to be the co-sponsor of this year’s event along with several of my colleagues in City and State government. It is so important to recognize the many cultures in the Borough of Queens, especially since we represent some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world. As such, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to Asian American Pacific Islander heritage as well as to recognize this year’s honorees for their outstanding service to the community.”

“Throughout our history, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made immeasurable contributions to our nation’s rich culture. There’s no better evidence of this than in downtown Flushing in my district, which is home to restaurants, small businesses and community groups that represent cultures from all across the Asian continent. On behalf of the over 170,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander constituents in my district, I am proud to celebrate this heritage not just in May, but year-round as I fight for policies that work for middle class New Yorkers of all ethnicities, backgrounds and religions,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

Council Member Peter Koo stated, “Americans of Asian and Pacific Island descent across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, have made enormous contributions to our community, and to our Great City. I am proud to stand with Assemblywoman Rozic, Congresswoman Meng, and the rest of my colleagues, to honor these great men and women. Peter Tu, Sarah BJ Sung, Deepak Eric Kumar and Amy and Hsi Pei Liao have demonstrated an unrelenting desire to improve our communities, and the examples they have set are inspiring. This recognition is well-deserved, and I look forward to the great things these individuals will do in the future.”

“I proudly stand with Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and my fellow elected officials as we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month. We have come together to recognize the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made numerous contributions to our culture and our country’s history. I encourage my fellow New Yorkers to celebrate the culture and heritage of Asian Americans this May,” said Council Member Paul Vallone.

Council Member Rory Lancman stated, “Variety is the spice of Queens. In coming together to celebrate the Asian American Pacific Islander community this month, we honor a rich history of inclusion and collaboration that I am proud to be a part of.”

“This event is a wonderful celebration of the contributions of the Asian-Pacific American community in Queens. As the representative of the most diverse Council district in New York City, I am proud to join in the celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month,” said Council Member Mark Weprin.

In 1992, the federal government designated the month of May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in commemoration of the long history and continued contributions of the AAPI community. This is Rozic’s 2nd Annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration; last year’s celebration was hosted at the Rosenthal Senior Center in Flushing.