Ald. Manaa-Hoppenworth, Ald. Lee, and County Commissioner Morita, Host First Joint City And County Asian American Heritage Month Celebration
For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2023
CHICAGO - Today, 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee, and 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita celebrated Asian American Heritage Month with a gathering at the Cook County Building featuring an impressive display of culture and community. The event, which also recognized the first time the Cook County and Chicago City government both have elected Asian American representation, included remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, information on the history of Asian American heritage in Illinois, and more.
“As we celebrate Asian American Heritage Month, I’m proud to stand alongside our City and County officials, including those who represent historic firsts as the first Asian American Cook County Commissioner and Asian American Alderperson,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “My administration will always uplift and support Asian American heritage, and work collaboratively across levels of government to be responsive to the needs of their communities.”
"Today, we celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community throughout Cook County and beyond," said President Preckwinkle. "Joined by our esteemed colleagues at the City of Chicago, we mark a historic moment where City and County leadership have come together to honor AAPI representation. As we embrace this new chapter of collaboration and diversity in our local governments, let us build a stronger, more equitable future."
“I’m thrilled to partner with Alderwoman Lee and Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth to showcase the diversity and political gains of Illinois’ Asian American communities,” said 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita. “With a historic number of Asian American representatives at all levels of our government, we certainly have a lot to celebrate this year. Today’s celebration also shows the spirit of a new beginning for the relationships between our city and county governments, and I’m proud to see us all come together today.”
Alderwoman Lee and Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth made history in April as the first Asian American women to be elected to City Council. When Alderwoman Lee was first appointed to represent the 11th Ward in 2022, she became the first Asian American woman and the first Chinese American to serve on the City Council. Last year, Commissioner Morita made history of her own as the first Asian American woman to serve on the Cook County Board. Today’s event was the first but will not be the last public appearance of all three women together.
“This year, Asian American Heritage Month comes at such an exciting time for our community. Not only does Chicago have its first Asian American-majority ward, which I am honored to serve, but we now have representation at the City and County levels when just a short time ago we had none,” said Alderwoman Nicole Lee. “It’s incredible to see so many people join us to honor Asian American heritage, and I look forward to continued collaboration with our neighbors across the hall to ensure a safer, more equitable city for all.”
In January, Commissioner Morita and Alderwoman Lee held a joint Lunar New Year celebration to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. The event included a dynamic lion dance performance from Haines Elementary School students, the distribution of red envelopes filled with candy as gifts of good fortune, and other traditions.
“As the first Filipina to serve in City Council and represent Chicago’s 48th Ward, I am proud to join my fellow history-making colleagues in today’s celebration,” said Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth. “Diversity is our strength and it is important that we come together to recognize Asian American culture and contributions to our communities. Together, we can build a better city and county for all who call it home.”
May is Asian American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the community and their irreplaceable contributions to this nation’s achievement, culture and history. This year’s theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity,'' which was chosen to help elevate more Asian American civil servants to find success and growth in their careers.
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