May Honors Americans of Asian, Pacific Island Descent

U.S. Postal Service in San Francisco to Host Event Celebrating AAPI Month

SAN FRANCISCO , CA — May is Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to give special thanks and acknowledgement to people of Asian and Pacific Island descent. In honor of AAPI month, the U.S. Postal Service in San Francisco is hosting an event at the mail processing plant, 1300 Evans Ave., Room 332, on Friday, May 22, from noon to 5 p.m.

“This year’s theme is the ‘Stamps, Arts and Crafts of Asian and Pacific Islanders,’” said Lito Sajonas, chairman of the AAPI council for the San Francisco Postal District. “We are honored to have film producer Dan Moreno join us for this special occasion.”

Moreno was recognized for best cinematography by the New York International Film and Video Festival for the film The Gift of Barong: A Journey from Within.

In addition to Moreno, and many stamp and cultural exhibits, there will be demonstrations of Polynesian, Mongolian, ballet and modern dance. “We are also excited about the Wing Chun Kung-Fu demonstration,” Sajonas said.

With diverse origins in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Asian American and Pacific Islanders are playing a major role in strengthening the economy, growing jobs and keeping America competitive. On May 1, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation, which reads in part:

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed in great and significant ways to all aspects of society. They have created works of literature and art, thrived as American athletes, and prospered in the world of academia. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played a vital role in our Nation's economic and technological growth by establishing successful enterprises and pushing the limits of science.”

Asian Americans also are leaders in promoting the global economy. They own 4.7 percent of the businesses in the United States and are the most likely to sell their products overseas.

“Our AAPI celebration is a way of saying thank-you to all of our Asian American and Pacific Island employees,” Sajonas said, adding, “In the San Francisco Postal District, that is about 52 percent of our employees.”