News Flash

KILLEEN, Texas (April 15, 2024) – Mayor Debbie Nash-King will honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during a reception at City Hall on Tuesday, May 7 at 4p.m.

The event will take place in the City Hall chamber on the first floor (101 North College Street) and the community is invited to attend. Invited guests include the Killeen Sister Cities, ACT Pasifika, the Killeen Korean Culture Center, the Japan Association of Killeen and Fort Hood/Cavazos, the Poly Mic Islanders Group and Siva Ori Polynesia. Mayor Nash-King will present an official proclamation to those organizations.  This is a first of its kind for the City of Killeen.

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council has announced this year’s national theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation,” which is a continuation of the “Advancing Leaders” series that began in 2021.

Advancing Leaders Through Innovation pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and continue to influence the future. AAPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements and social/political change through their ingenuity and creativity, while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.

The ACT Pasifika organization will have a traditional performance and organizations will provide remarks.

This observance dates back to 1978 when the 95^th Congress passed a resolution for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week and in 1979, President Carter issued the proclamation designating the commemorative week beginning on May 4. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush issued the presidential proclamation designating May 1990 as the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The City of Killeen looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the AAPI community and recognizing the innovation, resilience and pioneering spirit their culture contributes to U.S. history.