In a nod to cultural diversity and historical contribution, Washington County Commissioners have marked May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The proclamation aims to honor the enduring impacts and innovations brought forth by AANHPI communities to the American narrative, said the county in a statement on their website.

Setting this year's theme as "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation," the Board has spotlighted the AANHPI figures whose ideas and leadership have been instrumental in steering the course of the nation's development and growth, in the face of considerable societal and institutional challenges. The county's proclamation acknowledges the diverse group's role in driving economic, technological, and socio-political progress, while also having to navigate the persistent challenges posed by cultural differences and systematic barriers.

Documented on the county's website, this declaration is not just a formal acknowledgment but a testament to how multiple generations of the AANHPI community have woven their rich heritage into the American social fabric contributing significantly to the country's prosperity and innovative spirit.

As the proclamation notes, AANHPI leaders have long enriched the United States with their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, however their achievements are oftentimes overshadowed by struggles against racial stereotypes and systemic discrimination. May's commemoration not only serves as an educational prompt for the greater community but as a respect-paying gesture to the AANHPI populace whose influence is far-reaching and deeply ingrained in the country’s modern identity.