May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

다양성 특집 RTD 직원들과 RTD가 서비스를 제공하는 더 넓은 지역사회의 다양성을 기리며, 우리의 사회적·문화적 유사점과 차이점에 대한 이해를 증진합니다. ‘다양성 스포트라이트’는 열정, 존중, 다양성, 신뢰, 협력, 주인의식이라는 RTD의 가치를 뒷받침합니다.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a time of reflection and celebration, tracing its roots back to the 95th Congress in 1977-1978. This period saw the introduction of joint resolutions aimed at honoring the accomplishments of individuals from these communities. Eventually, these efforts culminated in the designation by Congress of the first 10 days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. Subsequently, President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4650 on March 28, 1979, marking the inaugural presidential proclamation for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Over the years, this observance evolved, with President George H.W. Bush officially designating May 1990 as the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

One significant aspect of AANHPI history lies in this group’s contributions to transportation, exemplified by the remarkable endeavors of individuals such as Chin Lin Sou. Chin's leadership and expertise were instrumental in the construction of major railroads in the United States during the 19th century. He served as the foreman for Chinese workers on projects such as the Central Pacific Railroad and the 덴버 퍼시픽 철도, which was the first railroad to enter this state to serve the Colorado Territory. It covered the hundred miles between Cheyenne and Denver, routed through the railroad town of Evans. Chin played a pivotal role in connecting the nation through these vital transportation arteries. His legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and invaluable contributions of Asian Americans in Colorado and across the country, and to the development of modern transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, stands as a monumental achievement in American history. This engineering marvel not only connected the country from coast to coast but also revolutionized cross-country travel, reducing that time from six months to one week. The contributions of 12,000 Chinese laborers to the construction of the western section of the railroad were indispensable to its completion. Despite adversity, including prejudice and harsh working conditions, these workers persevered, advocating for fair wages and safer working conditions. Their resilience and determination exemplify the enduring American ideals of equal opportunity and the dignity of labor.

As we celebrate AANHPI Month, we also recognize the late former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. Mineta was the first Asian-American to serve in this position and is the longest-serving Secretary in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. He became the 14th Secretary of Transportation on Jan. 25, 2001. Mineta's recognition of the significance of equitable treatment for all individuals enabled him to establish a profound link between transportation and civil rights. He shaped the transportation elements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. He was also instrumental in shaping and passing legislation that provided restitution to Japanese Americans to redress their treatment by the U.S. government in the 1940s.

RTD is proud to be a workplace and a public transit provider that holds diversity and respect as values while ensuring no one – neither employees nor customers – is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Concurrently, RTD acknowledges that as a society there is still a long road ahead to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all.

RTD encourages all employees to commemorate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month whether with their teams or individually. Some suggestions include:

Attend the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 27 and 28 at Sloan’s Lake. This free annual festival build bridges of awareness, knowledge and understanding between the diverse Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and the general public through cultural education, leadership development and athletic competition. It features dragonboat races, cultural performances, food vendors and a marketplace selling traditional crafts and goods.

• Explore the Arts of Asia collection at the Denver Art Museum. This collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Western United States. Included are 5,000 objects spanning 4,000 years of Asian art and culture. These collections can be viewed online or in person.
• Participate in the first AAPINH Festival, hosted by the Filipino- American Community of Colorado (FACC) . This event provides opportunities to engage with and celebrate the rich heritage of these communities.
• Join the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) and its collaborative partners for a special event celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: "Amplifying the Voices of Colorado Asian Professionals." This event will feature a panel of AANHPI professionals in law, business, real estate and politics sharing their stories, amplifying voices and celebrating the diverse perspectives within the AANHPI community in Colorado.
• Participate in a stunning showcase of Japanese cultural heritage from ARCINDA (The Art and Culture of Indonesia) with a dance performance and gamelan, the percussion orchestra that is integral to Indonesian culture, at the Sam Gary Branch Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11.
• Explore the Far East Center in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver, recently designated by History Colorado as a historic site.
• Explore the Little Saigon Denver webpage to view a wide array of authentic Vietnamese restaurants, shops and cultural events that showcase the unique flavors and traditions of Vietnam. This month there will be vendors at the AAPI Culture Fest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

As we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, let us honor the past and recognize these communities' ongoing contributions to the tapestry of American society. Through their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering spirit, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have left an indelible mark on the transportation landscape and beyond, enriching the fabric of our nation's history.

다양성 특집 RTD는 대통령 선언, 행정 명령 및 공법에 명시된 특별 기념일을 인정하며, 다양성, 형평성, 포용성 및 소속감에 대한 RTD의 약속에 부합하도록 합니다. 이러한 활동 참여는 자발적이며 무급임을 유의하시기 바랍니다. 정규 근무 시간 중에 행사가 열리는 경우, 참여하려면 상사의 승인이 필요합니다.