Two US Pacific-coast states — Washington and Oregon — have declared that next week, from May 8 to 15, is to be celebrated as “Taiwanese-American Heritage Week,” every year.
“Taiwanese-Americans have made enormous contributions to the diversity and prosperity of American society, consistently contributing to the promotion of democracy and security of their homeland,” Oregon Governor Kate Brown said.
“Taiwanese-Americans have succeeded as successful and notable artists, Nobel Laureate scientists, researchers, human-rights activists and business leaders and this week recognizes the long-standing friendship between the US and Taiwan,” Brown said in a formal “declaration.”
Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a similar proclamation on Tuesday, saying that during the designated week Taiwanese-Americans would embrace the US’ diversity and celebrate the spirit of community “that binds us together.”
The cities of Camas and Vancouver in Washington and the cities of Portland and Beaverton in Oregon have also issued “Taiwanese-American Heritage Week” proclamations.
Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler — who represents a Washington district with a large Taiwanese-American population — has also made a statement of support.
“What a great time of year it is when we are able to celebrate the friendship and contributions of the Taiwanese people and culture here in the US,” she said.
There are more than 500,000 Taiwanese-Americans in the US with a significant number residing in Washington and Oregon.
Vancouver Mayor Timothy Leavitt said in his proclamation that nearly 74 percent of all Taiwanese-Americans have a bachelor’s or higher degree and 39 percent of all Taiwanese in the US have a master’s, doctorate or other professional degree — nearly four times the US average.
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