Happy May! As we prepare for the warm months ahead, over the next few weeks, I want to share some important announcements for May.
For example, this month is Asian American and Pacific Islander month, where we recognize the important contributions of AAPI individuals throughout our shared history.
This year takes on more importance with the challenges the AAPI community has faced both with the Covid-19 pandemic and a rise in anti-AAPI violence.  It is more meaningful than ever to celebrate the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders throughout our nation’s history, as well as the strength and resilience of the AAPI community.
There’s no doubt you can see these contributions throughout Cherry Hill, where Asian Americans make up more than 13% of our population and have built a thriving, vibrant community here that’s composed of entrepreneurs, families, faith-based organizations, civic leaders and so much more.
There are so many simple things you can do everyday to take action against anti-AAPI hate and learn more about AAPI culture. Join a community organization that focuses on these issues, reach out to your elected officials on a local, state or federal level to express your concerns, volunteer your time to help seniors or others in need, or just simply make your voice heard, any way you can.
For example, we are partnering with the Asian American Alliance in South Jersey, along with the Cherry Hill Human Relation Advisory Committee, the Cherry Hill Public Library and Camden County to hold an Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Festival next weekend on Sunday, May 15 at the Cherry Hill Public Library’s Friendship Grove. It’s free, runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature cultural performance, children’s activities, food vendors and much more. It gives me great hope to see so many members of our community – especially students, who are our next generation of leaders, celebrating their cultures and making their voices heard.  Please join us. As Mayor, I am dedicated to doing everything in my power to support our AAPI community, and ensure Cherry Hill remains a diverse, inclusive town where anyone, of any background or identity, feels safe and welcome.
