The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved a concurrent resolution Thursday recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which was carried in the House by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, recognizes the economic and cultural impact of the nearly 3% of Oklahomans have Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.

"As the child of Korean immigrants, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month resonates deeply as an opportunity to honor our shared heritage and the challenges Asian people continue to face," Pae said. "In recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the histories, resilience, and contributions of Asian Americans that have enriched our state and nation."

"As the first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, I am proud to be a co-author of this resolution celebrating AAPI-owned businesses, history, and culture all throughout the month of May," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. "As a little girl growing up in Oklahoma, I needed to see someone like me doing what I am doing, so it is important to me that we acknowledge and elevate the impact the Asian American community has on Oklahoma and across the United States. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues who join us in honoring our heritage and culture."

"I’m honored to work with my AAPI Caucus colleagues on this resolution recognizing the importance of AAPI individuals,” said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City. “It emphasizes the need to have diverse voices at the table and promotes better understanding of cultures and their impact on Oklahoma. I encourage those who can, to take advantage of events that take place this month to further appreciation, understanding, and celebration of AAPI people.”

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843.

SCR23 was authored in the Senate by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City. 

“The immigrants who have created Asian/Pacific American communities here in Oklahoma City and throughout the state, some of whom arrived generations ago, others more recently, have made Oklahoma a more culturally interesting and economically vibrant place for all our citizens,” Floyd said. “We’re grateful for their presence, engagement and contributions to Oklahoma.”

Having been adopted by both the House and Senate, SCR23 will be filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.