U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai observed the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month with a statement issued May 1.
Tai stated that the monthlong commemoration is a time "we celebrate the strength and triumph of AA and NHPI communities throughout our nation’s history."
"It is both a privilege and a personal priority to represent the voices and hopes of AA and NHPI communities in the President’s Cabinet," Tai, the first Asian-American to serve at the U.S. Trade Representative, wrote in her statement.
Tai wrote that AA and NHPI people are a "community of communities, a patchwork of interwoven stories from all walks of life," that has continually shown its courage and perseverance in the face of "adversity, bias, bigotry and violence."
"We honor our rich history and legacy and recommit ourselves to forge a freer and fairer tomorrow—one where we are Visible Together," Tai stated.
She also committed to working toward a more equitable and just future, using trade as a force for good and deploying government resources to empower people.
“That includes our first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities," Tai stated, "and deploying the federal government’s resources to empower our people through the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders."
The strategy, released in January by the White House, outlines the action plans of 32 federal agencies to promote equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.
"Our nation has not always lived up to its ideals," Tai wrote. "That is why the Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to partner with AA and NHPI communities across America to pursue justice and equity."
Tai stated also that she was excited to support the Biden administration "as we write the next chapter in our American story, together—one of resilience, strength, and hope.”
