6.10.2022 Congressman David Trone Hosted AAPI Issues Conference in CCACC

As early as the 1990s, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation to declare May every year as Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month to celebrate the indelible contributions of the Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community to American society and development. In order to further support the local AAPI organizations, on June 07, Congressman David Trone hosted the AAPI Issues Conference in CCACC (Chinese Culture and Community Service Center), one of the few non-profit organizations administered by Chinese Americans in the Greater Washington area and is recognized as a leader in the Asian Pacific American community development.

Rep. Trone, along with State Senator Susan Lee, State Delegate Lily Qi, and other elected officials from the area spoke about the need for increased support of the AAPI community – on the heels of AAPI Heritage Month. Specifically, Rep. Trone highlighted measures he’s uplifting the AAPI community in Congress. “The AAPI community has shown profound strength and grace during the last two years, even amid an egregious increase of hate crimes and discrimination. Maryland’s Asian cultural centers fed those in need, provided PPE, and even served as mass testing and vaccination sites. I am proud to serve our AAPI communities in Congress and support these efforts through Community Project Funding. Our history has shown that diverse perspectives and cultures are vital to our country’s success. We must never forget that.”

He once again highly praised CCACC's efforts in promoting the development of the Asian Pacific American community, especially the spirit of "United as One" during the epidemic, fully demonstrating the contribution of the AAPI community to American society. He said the Federal government will work with the State and County governments to support CCACC to expand and deepen community services, such as basic health care programs for low-income residents.

From left to right: Kate Lu – Director of CCACC Health Center; Elizabeth Chung - Executive Director, Asian American Center of Frederick; Chih-Hsiang Li - Executive Director, CCACC; David Trone – U.S. Congressman; Susan Lee – State Senator; Lily Qi - State Delegate; Hyunsook Choi – Governor's Commissioner at Governor's Office of Minority Affairs; LI-Fang Liu, Executive Director, CCACC; Chung K.Pak - Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings.