Alderperson Maiyoua Thao’s Invocation At 05/05/2021 Common Council Meeting – “Let’s Celebrate The Incredible, Rich, And Wealth of Diversity In Our Community”

I’m a little behind on my time. This is Alderperson Maiyoua Thao’s (District 7) invocation from the 05/05/2021 Common Council meeting. This was the meeting at which the resolution condemning racism and violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community was passed.

Mayor Woodford: Tonight’s invocation will be delivered by Alderperson Thao. 

Maiyoua Thao: Thank you, Your Honor. Good evening. During the month of May, Asian heritage is celebrated throughout America. This is the special time where communities come together in celebrating, recognizing in our knowledge the rich cultures, food, history, and traditions from many Asian cultures. You can learn more about the Asian American community right here in Appleton by visiting your local restaurants. These are hardworking local entrepreneurs living their American dream and providing a window to all their customers to taste and see the cultures. I encourage you to start meaningful conversations and ask questions about their heritage as well as take a visit to your closest Asian grocery store to explore different spices and ingredients. The Appleton Public Library is hosting multiple workshops to give insight to different Asian cultures with special guests who are well known in our community. I also encourage you to read books about the culture, learn about their struggles and success, watch an Asian film, listen to their music, check on your friends, take them out to lunch, bring cookies and introduce yourself to your neighbors, and ask to share food with your coworkers. These are all opportunities that we, myself included, can all continue to commit to doing so that we can learn more about one another, the community, and the Asian community in our beloved cities.

Since last year when the pandemic hit the world, the Asian American community suffered greatly as well as other communities did. From losing their jobs to losing a loved one. The Asian American community has always held festivals and celebrations every year like the Hmong New Year, every winter at Appleton East High School and a summer festival throughout the nation. This community, among others, were not able to gather or celebrate. We will live to remember this time and will continue a piece of history to tell. This year for Asian American Heritage Month I want to dedicate this to the families in the city of Appleton and our neighboring cities. Let’s continue to work together and value each other. We all are in this together. When we do better–when we do all better we all do better as a community together. Let’s celebrate the incredible, rich, and wealth of diversity in our community. Thank you.