Flushing, NY – In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) hosted an event to recognize Queens community leaders for their dedication to public service and advocacy. This year’s celebration was held at Selfhelp Community Services in Flushing.

“I am thrilled to host a celebration honoring leaders for their dedication to serving others. Queens has always been known as a borough that celebrates diversity, and it is clear that this year’s honorees are a reflection of the contributions made by the AAPI community shaping New York into the bold and progressive state it is today,” said Assemblywoman Rozic.

Community leaders honored for their work this year included Syed A. Bukhari, Executive Board Member of the Muslim Center of New York; Katy Chiang, President of the Kissena Democratic Club; Judith J. Chin, Member of the New York State Board of Regents, 11th Judicial District; Yolanda Dela Cruz Gallagher, Board Member of the Fresh Meadows Homeowners Civic Association; Bomsinae Kim, Executive Director of the Korean American Family Service Center; and Dr. Devbala Ramanathan, President of Dropadi Jigyasu Ashram.

This year’s event marked the fifth year that Rozic hosted a celebration. Congresswoman Grace Meng served as the honorary co-host. The event was co-sponsored by City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James, Borough President Melinda Katz, State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, Assemblymembers Edward Braunstein, David Weprin, Ron Kim, and Yuh-Line Niou, Council Members Peter Koo, Rory Lancman, Paul Vallone, and Barry Grodenchik. The event was also organized in partnership with and Peter Tu, Executive Director of the Flushing Chinese Business Association and District Leader, and Dr. Neeta Jain, Board Member of the Hindu Center and District Leader.

“This month and every month we celebrate the great contributions that our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made to New York City. Every square inch of New York City has been enriched by these cultures and traditions, helping to create our flourishing and diverse neighborhoods. As the home of the second largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in America, New York City will only continue to welcome and celebrate these vital members of our society,” said Public Advocate Letitia James.

“Diversity of culture is one of the many things that makes New York so special. Celebrating that diversity is important, especially now as we endeavor to protect our immigrants, fight bigotry and discrimination and stand up for the American Dream. Today, I proudly celebrate the Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, a community that, through tradition and innovation, helped make our city, state and country a better place,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

“I am proud to join Assemblywoman Rozic and my colleagues in celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month today. During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, all New Yorkers celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander culture and the special contributions this population makes towards our city. I also want to congratulate the exceptional honorees who are being recognized during this event,” said Assemblyman Edward Braunstein.

“This year has been particularly historic for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. In the midst of APA Heritage Month, Speaker Heastie joined me, Assemblywoman Rozic, Assemblyman Braunstein, and many of our colleagues in Flushing as we announced the formation of the Asian Pacific American Task Force. It will be the first government body in the State of New York devoted solely to issues and laws that affect the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. I thank Assemblywoman Rozic for organizing today’s celebration - she represents a diverse district in the Assembly, and I look forward to working with her on the Task Force to provide a strong and effective voice for Asian Pacific Americans,’ said Assemblyman Ron Kim.

“Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the contributions of this great community to our city, state and nation. I commend Assemblymember Rozic for hosting this event, and recognizing the hard work of Asian Americans. I look forward to working with advocates, elected officials and the community to advance the interests of the Asian American community in New York State, particularly through the newly formed Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force,” said Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou.

“The culture, traditions and many contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have become an integral part of our society here in Queens and across our country. As the Assemblyman with of one of the most diverse districts in the State, with a significant and varied Asian population, it is my distinct honor to Co-Sponsor the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration at Selfhelp Community Services with my colleague Assemblywoman Nily Rozic,” said Assemblyman David Weprin.

“It is an honor to co-sponsor the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage celebration. Today we pay tribute to the generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and forged a proud legacy of enhancing the diverse culture that is integral to Queens and our entire country,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik.

“As an Asian American, I am very grateful that the community at large has an opportunity to celebrate our heritage and thank Assemblywoman Rozic for organizing an event recognizing local leaders for our achievements. God bless America,” said Peter Tu.

“Stay together, rise together,” said Dr. Neeta Jain.

In 1992, the federal government designated the month of May as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in commemoration of the long history and continued contributions of the AAPI community. The month of May was chosen in honor of the immigration of the first Japanese to the Unites States and the Chinese immigrants who made up the majority of the workers on the transcontinental railroad which was completed on May 10, 1869.

Rozic’s celebration also follows the recently announced launch of the New York State Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus – the first government body in the state formed solely to represent the AAPI community. Rozic joined Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblyman Ron Kim, and Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou at Flushing Town Hall to mark the occasion.