By Louis Chan, AsAmNews National Correspondent
President Joe Biden Monday signed into law the establishment of a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture.
The bill originally introduced by Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) in 2015 passed both houses of Congress earlier this year.
“It’s about time for a national museum, ” Biden said before signing the bill. “Museums of this magnitude and consequence are going to to inspire and educate. More than anything else, its going to help people see themselves in the story of America.”
Meng stood to the President’s side along with Vice President Kamala Harris and other leaders from the AAPI Congressional Delegation as the President signed the bill.
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“To teach this history is to help all of us as Americans understand where we come from and to teach this history is to help us understand who we are. This is a story about heroes who shaped our nation for the better,” Harris said prior to introducing the President.
The establishment of similar commissions lead to national museums for African Americans, Native Americans, and the future National Museum for American Latinos.
Several AANHPI organizations sent statements to AsAmNews applauding the President’s actions.
“This first step is critical to teach and preserve our history, not only for our children, but for the entire country to learn and celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders,” said Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, President & CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.
“It is through education that we can begin to dispel myths and develop a greater understanding of the diverse communities that comprise the fabric of American society,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC.
“The creation of a national museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture would be a defining moment in the history of not only the AAPI community but for America overall,” said Gary Locke, chair of the Committee of 100.
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Excellent! Great news! Finally!! Making lemonade out of lemons! The anti-Asian hate pressed the point of needed education about who we are and have been for almost 200 (173) years in America!