The Asian Pacific American population is increasing faster than any other ethnic group, but to Harold Core, the group’s impact and contributions have gone unnoticed.
As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Michigan wraps up, the sixth-annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Day celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the state Capitol.
“There are two things that the event wants to accomplish,” said Core, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, or MDCR. “The first is to embrace diversity by understanding cultures that the public is generally exposed to. Secondly, it is a good opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans from different communities to celebrate together and an opportunity for Michigan to celebrate with them.”
People from across the state will attend the event, which is free to the public. Asian Pacific American heritage and customs will be honored with food, cultural performances, artistic displays and ethnic cuisine.
“This event is welcoming the Asian Pacific community to the state Capitol,” said Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood, D-Taylor, the first Korean-American to hold a state office in Michigan. “It is a recognition that the community is very diverse and growing quickly.”
The event generally attracts a crowd of more that 300 attendees, he said.
“The community encompasses a large amount of people from oriental regions,” said Rachel Boots, communication assistant for MDCR. “The purpose of the event is to bring visibility to the Asian Pacific American community, and the importance of diversity in general.”
Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry, Linda V. Parker, director of the MDCR, and Sen. Hansen Clarke, D-Detroit, are scheduled to speak at the event.
“We are interested in everyone learning about the Asian Pacific American community,” Hopgood said.
“This is my last year being involved with the event as a state representative, so it is very special to me.”
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