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May is not just another month, it's the start of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the immense contributions of our community to the rich tapestry of our nation's history. This is a month that truly belongs to us, a testament to our unique heritage and the impact we've made.
Introduced initially as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week during the Carter administration, May carries particular importance, serving as a symbol of the first Japanese immigrants arriving in May 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, predominantly constructed by Chinese immigrants, in May 1869. Throughout different aspects of society, from entertainment to daily routines, individuals of the AANHPI community have played vital roles in molding America's growth and evolution.
To celebrate our heritage, we have a month of engaging activities planned. Among them is the much-loved "Have You Eaten Yet?" luncheon, returning on May 2 at Ocean Palace. This event not only kicks off Asian Restaurant Month but also features insights from three James Beard Foundation-recognized chefs: Kiran Verma, Tom Cunanan, and Vanarian Kuch. Join us for this celebratory luncheon!
The chamber invites everyone to discover the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene by supporting Asian restaurants throughout the Greater Houston community through Asian Restaurant Month.
Houston, renowned as the most diverse city in the country and hailed as the culinary capital of the South, offers a rich tapestry of cultures and flavors. Asian Restaurant Month presented by Sysco provides an excellent opportunity for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant Asian culinary landscape that contributes significantly to the city's cultural mosaic. This year’s selection offers more than 100 participating food establishments, many of them returning favorites like: Saigon Hustle, Phat Eatery, Blood Bros BBQ, and new listings such as Crawfish and Noodles, Pacha Nikkei, and MaKiin. To sign up for the pass and see participating establishments, visit www.asianrestaurantmonth.com
We also have an extraordinary chance for small business owners to broaden their horizons on May 8th. Join an enlightening session on federal contracting opportunities, including the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program, business with NASA, and Apex Accelerator. Led by Van Tran of the Small Business Administration, this session is designed to provide you with invaluable insights and networking opportunities that can propel your business to new heights.
Parents, family, and friends of high school seniors in Greater Houston, we need your help in spreading the word about the Asian Chamber Foundation Scholarship Awards. Last year, we were able to support ten exceptional seniors with $2,000 scholarships, and now, we're extending this opportunity to the next wave of deserving students. Your role in encouraging seniors to seize this opportunity for financial assistance is crucial. The deadline to apply is May 10, 2024.
As we embark on this meaningful month of celebration and reflection, let us unite to honor the vibrant heritage and invaluable contributions of the AANHPI community.
With warm regards,
Sydney Dao
Board Chair
Asian Chamber of Commerce
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