PHILADELPHIA — On Thursday, May 25, in recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the City of Philadelphia hosted Back to the Roots, a celebration honoring the many contributions made by our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and a homage to the cultures and rich heritages that have shaped their identities and lived experiences.
“Over the last 10 years, more than 39 percent of Philadelphia’s growth was due to our AANHPI communities,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Back to the Roots is an opportunity to hear from some of the community members who are part of that growth and who have worked and continue to work hard to bring both their cultural heritage and their dreams of economic opportunity forward. This is just one of many reasons why Philadelphia is a proud Welcoming City.”
Today’s celebratory event is a collaborative program sponsored by multiple City agencies and advisory groups, including the Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement, and the City’s Department of Commerce. It involved cultural performances, food, and a dedicated panel of up-and-coming entrepreneurs who have all started new ventures in the last five years including:
Each panelist shared their journey and discussed entrepreneurship as a means to celebrate cultural heritage.
“The Office of Immigrant Affairs is committed to lifting up the stories and experiences of immigrant communities,” said Amy Eusebio, Executive Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs. “This year’s focus on entrepreneurship as a tool for preserving and celebrating culture is an exciting area for the city and community to explore. We hope that everyone attending recognizes the meaningful contributions of the AANHPI community and the ways they enrich our economy and cultural fabric.”
Philadelphia’s AANHPI residents make up a rapidly…
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