Lake County Gazette

Tosi Ufodike, a candidate for Illinois State House District 51, recently stated, "May is a month of many rich celebrations," drawing attention to the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month as one such event.

"May is a month of many rich celebrations and we continue to celebrate with Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (or #AAPIHM), first created by Congress in 1992," said Ufodike, according to Facebook.

The month of May is dedicated to celebrating the heritage of Asian/Pacific Americans. This encompasses individuals from the Asian continent and Pacific Islands such as New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia. Polynesia includes New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu Cook Islands French Polynesia and Easter Island. This information is according to AsianPacificHeritage.gov.

Screenshot of Tosi Ufodike's May 6 Facebook post | Tosi Ufodike for State Rep Facebook page

The establishment of the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was not without its challenges. According to AsianPacificHeritage.gov., the first effort to recognize this occasion dates back to 1977 when Rep. Frank Horton proposed a resolution to "proclaim the first 10 days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week." In that same year Sen. Daniel Inoyue introduced a similar joint resolution in the Senate. When these did not pass Rep. Horton presented another joint resolution in the house proposing a week of recognition including May 7th and 10th in 1979 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week." This resolution passed successfully. The most recent legislation on this matter was Public Law 102-450 passed by Congress in 1992 which declared the entire month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has also recognized Asian American Heritage Month and announced related events through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE). These events will take place both online and in person from May 1st through May 30th. The department also provided a list of community events across the state, including in Chicago, Des Plaines, and Aurora.

Ufodike is currently a Trustee on the Ela Township Board and serves as an ambassador for Hawthorn Woods. She is also a member of the Hawthorn Woods Bloom Committee. According to her campaign website, Ufodike holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from Lander University and a Master of Business Administration from Clemson University among other training certificates. She has also earned a Certification in Risk Management Assurance and the Illinois Director Credential.