iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
A festive atmosphere filled the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium as the nation celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month.
The event, co-hosted by the White House and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) on May 13, held special significance as it marked the 25th anniversary of the Initiative’s creation.
This landmark event brought together current and former leaders from across five presidential administrations. The gathering served as a powerful testament to the progress achieved by AA and NHPI communities over the past quarter-century.
A highlight of the celebration was a captivating performance by US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy. With surprising dexterity, Dr. Murthy played the drums, adding a touch of light heartedness to the occasion.
In his address, Dr. Murthy emphasized the importance of representation. He noted how his own appointment to a senior government position by President Obama in 2013 paved the way for others. He also spoke humorously about the challenges of public service, recalling an incident where a photo of him holding an empty ice cream cone sparked a national uproar and demands for his resignation.
Dr. Murthy’s speech took a poignant turn as he spoke about the harrowing journey of immigrant parents. He recounted their harrowing journey to the US and their unwavering belief in the American dream–a land of opportunity where skin color and accent wouldn’t hold you back. He stressed the importance of community, urging everyone to support and uplift one another in pursuit of a truly equitable America.
The Surgeon General stated that his grandfather, a poor farmer living in a small village in South India, could never have dreamed that his grandson would one day be asked by the US President to oversee the health of the entire nation. Dr. Murthy referred to this as the power and promise of America.
Neera Tanden, Chair of the National Domestic Council and Domestic Policy Advisor to the President, echoed Dr. Murthy’s call for inclusivity. She emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the government reflects the needs and perspectives of all Americans, including the AA and NHPI community.
Tanden reminisced about the early days of the White House Initiative during the Clinton administration. Back then, the entire AANHPI staff could fit comfortably in a small corner of the Oval Office. Today, the community’s thriving presence necessitates a much larger space. Tanden attributed this growth to the community’s increasing visibility and engagement in politics, leading to a more representative government.
Ambassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative, lauded the administration’s efforts to reflect the diversity of America. She urged the community to remember the past and redraw strength from it, refine its strategies, and reframe its narrative – focusing on resilience and future success.
Shamina Singh, Founder and President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Executive Vice President, Sustainability at Mastercard, and a longstanding advocate for the AA and NHPI community, spoke about the Initiative’s core goals. She emphasized the importance of serving all members of the community nationwide and establishing a permanent foundation for the Initiative’s vital work. Her remarks highlighted the collaborative efforts with federal agencies, commissions, and the private sector.
The event resonated as a resounding success, commemorating the accomplishments of the AA and NHPI community while casting a hopeful gaze toward the future. The evening stood as a potent reminder of the community’s burgeoning impact and its steadfast dedication to enriching the diverse fabric of America.
