Editor's corner/ Over a cup of tea
Heidi M. Pascual*
Publisher & Editor
* 2006 Journalist of the
Year for the State of
Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA)
   According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, 14.4 million U.S. residents (5
percent of the total U.S. population) said they were Asian in combination with one or more other
race. Compared to other minority groups, our numbers may still be too politically small to influence
decision making in government. However, as history has shown, few leaders can make a huge impact
on behalf of the silent “majority” regardless of the size of the group.
   “Asian Pacific American Heritage” celebration in the U.S. started officially as a week-long
recognition each year, when Pres. Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution to that effect in 1978.
This initiative came from the combined legislative efforts of Reps. Frank Horton and Norman Mineta
and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga. It became a month-long celebration only in 1992
by virtue of Public Law 102-450, signed by Pres. George H.W. Bush, to recognize the achievements
of Asian Americans and their contributions to the U.S.
   Famous Asian Americans, alive or dead, have always been mentioned or written about every year.
They are scientists, politicians, musicians, artists, educators, architects, doctors, engineers, top
athletes, movie stars, business executives and owners of corporations.
But what does it really mean to celebrate our heritage in America?
   • We should be proud that our Asian ancestors came to the U.S. for the same reasons that most
immigrants did — to seek a better life, and many of them succeeded.
   • We should be proud that our forefathers built the Transcontinental Railroad and worked the
vineyards in California and the plantations in Hawaii.
   • We should be proud that despite the discriminatory exclusion laws and anti-miscegenation laws
for almost a century, our great great grandparents persevered and continued to work very hard even
in relative “isolation.”
   • We should be proud that under these conditions, our grandparents tapped their entrepreneurial
spirit in order to survive and thrive.
   • We should be proud that our generations after World War II have excelled in various fields that
continue to help boost the U.S. economy and make the United States the leading nation on earth.
   • We should be proud that countless Asian Americans fought wars in defense of our country.
   • We should be proud that more and more Asian Americans are becoming involved in politics and
government, community activism, and volunteer work.
   • We should be proud that we contribute positive diverse values and traditions that make American
society a better place to be.
   I am proud to be Asian American. I am fortunate to have the best of two (or more) cultures. I don’t
really mind being labelled “model minority,” as long as its definition says, “Hard working, people
person, truthful, reliable, and outspoken or always willing to defend his/her rights  and those of others.”
   Silence isn’t for me; visibility is.
Proud to be Asian American