Massachusetts leaders mark AANHPI Heritage Month with honors, proclamation at State House

Secretary Yvonne Howe, Massachusetts’ secretary of economic development, and the governor gathered attendees at the State House to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognize five community leaders and sign a ceremonial proclamation declaring the month in the Commonwealth.

At the start of the program, Secretary Howe said the Commonwealth must distinguish between competition with the Chinese government and the state’s Chinese American and AANHPI residents, citing historical wrongs including World War II internment of Japanese Americans. "When we talk about competing against China, we're talking about the Chinese Communist government. We're not talking about our Chinese Americans or AANHPI community," Howe said.

Howe cited findings from a recent Asian American Foundation report presented at a meeting in New York: she said the report found that 60% of Asian Americans "have experienced in the last 12 months feelings of hatred directed at them," about 30% have experienced verbal harassment or racial slurs, and only 40% of respondents reported feeling they belong in America. She said the numbers indicate the state and country "have work to do." The secretary also referenced a QJ study of Asian American businesses in Massachusetts, saying those businesses are growing fast but owners "feel less supported" and report less access to grants, technical assistance and capital than other groups.

The event included a cultural performance by students from the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown and citations for five honorees: Lydia Lowe (executive director, Chinatown Community Land Trust), Helen Czynchlichty (longtime Beacon Hill and community leader and founder/supporter of South Cove Manor), Paul Lee (attorney and civic leader, Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation), Thiet Tran (executive director, Southeast Asian Coalition in Worcester, and director of integrated care at Community Health Link) and Suzanne Lee (Boston Public Schools educator and community organizer).

The governor, speaking on behalf of the governor's office and the lieutenant governor, thanked the honorees, acknowledged consul generals from Korea and representatives of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and invited members of the legislature to join the event. The governor also highlighted a partnership with the nonprofit Social Finance and said the administration is pursuing workforce opportunities tied to climate technology.

The program concluded with a ceremonial signing of a proclamation declaring AANHPI Heritage Month in Massachusetts. The governor said the administration celebrates the AANHPI community "365 days a year" and thanked the assembled community for their contributions.

The event was primarily ceremonial and celebratory; officials emphasized both recognition of local leaders and attention to issues cited in national and local studies, including anti-Asian sentiment and business support needs. No formal votes or policy actions were recorded during the program.