Special: Princeton, NJ– New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy celebrated Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month of May with a vibrant event at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s Mansion. The celebration highlighted the significant contributions of the AANHPI community to the state.
In his address, Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of the AANHPI community in New Jersey. “The Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community is one of the fastest-growing and one of our most important communities in our state. By many measures, we are the most diverse American state and unquestionably the most densely populated. When you combine density and diversity, it tells you about our character, our tolerance, and our respect for each other,” he said.
Governor Murphy also highlighted New Jersey's initiatives to support the AANHPI community. “We have an AAPI Commission, one of the few states in the nation. We have the New Jersey Indian Commission. We teach AAPI history as part of our curriculum—I think we’re the only state in America to do that. We don’t just talk about it, we put our money where our mouth is. We are now translating much of our government services into languages ranging from Korean to Gujarati and in between. These are not just words but actions.”
Reflecting on the state’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy reassured the community of continued support, saying, “We had your back then, and we’ll always have your back because discrimination, disrespect, and hate have no place in the great state of New Jersey.”
The celebration featured AAPI cultural performances, including dance, sports, and poetry. Notably, the Nepali American Artists Association’s President Basanti Rai and choreographer Siva Bishwakarma presented a traditional Nepali dance, adding to the event's rich cultural tapestry.
The AAPI event underscored New Jersey's commitment to celebrating and integrating the diverse cultures that contribute to its unique identity.
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