Schakowsky Statement Commemorating Lunar New Year

EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement commemorating Lunar New Year:

“Happy Lunar New Year! To all those families coming together in the 9th Congressional District and across the globe to celebrate new beginnings, I am sending you my love and wishing you all a joyful, healthy, and prosperous year ahead.

“Asian American history is American history. It is so important that we uncover, document, and share stories of Asian Americans and their families. Right in our own backyard, community members are compiling research to help teach Asian American history rooted in the local community. The Evanston Placemaking Initiative is a project meant to uncover Asian American history in Evanston and to create living archives of Asian, South Asian or Pacific Islander residents in Evanston. I am so proud of my hometown for being such a diverse and welcoming community for all.

“I am thrilled to support a piece of legislation introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng of New York, to make Lunar New Year a federal holiday. Lunar New Year is often celebrated with festivals, special foods, gatherings, and a variety of cultural traditions and performances, but, for too long, these celebrations have been cut short. Making Lunar New Year a federal holiday would allow for families to celebrate the festival in its entirety.

“As we leave behind the Year of the Tiger and welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, let us all embrace our inner peace, elegance, and compassion. May this Lunar New Year bring us all renewed strength and optimism for the future.”

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