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Montgomery County recognizes AANHPI Heritage Month, spotlights local leaders
Summary
The Montgomery County Council proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, showcased a video highlighting local leaders and organizations, and heard remarks from council members about the community's growth and contributions.
The Montgomery County Council on May 13 adopted a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and presented a video that highlighted local leaders in public safety, community health, and small business.
Council Member Mink, speaking on the council dais, said she is “personally a product of the legacy of leadership and resilience” of the AANHPI community and noted the county’s AANHPI population has grown from about 4% when her parents arrived to “over 15%” today.
A staff-produced video introduced Chief Mark Yamada, Montgomery County’s first Asian American police chief, Mayur Modi, executive director of the American Diversity Group, and the owners of Mandalay restaurant in Silver Spring. Chief Yamada spoke in the video about community engagement and encouraged officers to “get outside your comfort zone” and “get outside into the community.” Mayur Modi described the American Diversity Group’s mission as providing “health equity in the community, providing them the health care access, education, and resources in the community.”
The proclamation text cited county demographic figures saying more than 162,000 residents identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, representing more than 15% of the county population, and noted the AANHPI community comes from more than 37 countries and more than 20 ethnic subgroups. The proclamation named a theme for 2025: “a legacy of leadership and resilience.”
Council members and staff invited community leaders and representatives from other levels of government to the ceremony; the council recessed afterward for a luncheon celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month. The proclamation was presented as a ceremonial recognition; no ordinance or budget appropriation was enacted as part of the item.
