| Contact: | Sunny Mindel/Mary Lasher (212) 788-2958 |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening proclaimed the month of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Month in New York City during a reception and celebration at Gracie Mansion.
The Mayor presented proclamations to two representatives from the Flushing Lunar New Year Parade Committee: John Hong, representing the Korean Committee; and Peter Tu, representing the Chinese Committee. James Chin, Commissioner of the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Mayor Giuliani said, "The contributions of our Asian Pacific community can be felt in every facet of our culture and it is difficult to imagine our City without their influence. The members of this community have left an indelible mark on New York, and the nation, and I am pleased to honor them by proclaiming May Asian Pacific Heritage Month in New York City."
The month-long event is designed to promote cooperation and understanding among Asian Pacific Americans; promote, represent and advocate the interest of Asian Pacific American communities; and provide a conducive environment for Asian Pacific Americans to utilize their history, culture and art to foster self-esteem and respect for their heritage.
The evening was co-sponsored by Orient Overseas Container Lines Inc.; The Chinese American Association of the City of New York; Korean Exchange Bank; Chinese American Bank; Industrial Bank of Korea; Asia Market Corporation; Bo Ky Market Corporation; Kings Seafood Palace; New York City Lions Club; Greater Blouse Skirt & Undergarment Association; Chinese Import & Export Council of America Inc.; National Chinese American Jewelry Association; San Kiang Charitable association, Inc.; Sino-American Association of Fashion Design & Technology and V-Star Jewelry, Inc. Other sponsors who donated gifts included Clay Restaurant; Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York; Golden Carriage Bakery; Jing Fong Restaurant; New Silver Palace Restaurant; Spice; Typhoon Brewery; Zen Palate (restaurants); Enchanted Garden; Melonie; Miya Shoji & Interiors; Samito Furniture Finishing Company Inc.; Balloon Bouquets of New York (flowers and decorations); New York Chinese Cultural Center; Korean Traditional Performing Arts Association (entertainment) and Leo R. Yochim, School of Visual Arts (photography).