Dane County Board Recognizes Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month
May 14, 2026
CountyBoardPress@danecounty.gov
County Board
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Date: |
May 14, 2026 |
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Contact: |
CountyBoardPress@danecounty.gov | (608) 228-9053 |
Dane County Board Recognizes Asian, Pacific Islander,
and Desi American Heritage Month
DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized May 2026 as Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. The board passed 2026 RES-014 to mark this observance and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of APIDA communities locally and nationally.
The 2026 theme, "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together," emphasizes the importance of collective action, storytelling, and building bridges among APIDA communities. The resolution also acknowledges the history of exclusionary laws and policies targeting Asian Americans, as well as the ongoing impacts of racism, xenophobia, and inequitable immigration policies on APIDA communities today.
“A staggering 49% of AAPI adults have experienced a hate act in 2025. This, coupled with recent rhetoric suggesting that China and India are 'overrunning' our country and that AAPI Americans have 'almost no loyalty,' reaffirms the urgency and necessity of this resolution,” said First Vice Chair Yogesh Chawla (District 6). “AAPI Americans have made foundational contributions across all sectors of our economy, our community, and our culture. I am grateful that so many in Dane County and across Wisconsin are taking the opportunity to welcome our community and acknowledge our contributions."
"The resolution highlights the rich diversity of APIDA communities, recognizes the historical and ongoing challenges they have faced — including exclusionary immigration laws, incarceration, racism, xenophobia, anti-Asian violence, and inequitable immigration policies — and reaffirms Dane County’s commitment to equity, inclusion, immigrant and refugee protections, and belonging for all residents," said Supervisor Yang (District 19). “Our strength as a county comes from the diversity of cultures, experiences, and perspectives our residents bring. APIDA Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate those contributions and recommit to ensuring every member of our community feels seen, valued, and supported.”
The board also recognized APIDA milestones on the county board, including Supervisor Brenda Yang as the first person of Hmong heritage to serve on the board, former Supervisor Ashok Kumar and current Supervisor Yogesh Chawla as the first and second Desi Americans elected to the board, Chair Patrick Miles as the first person of color and first Asian American to serve as county board chair, and Jeff Okazaki as the first person of Asian heritage appointed as Dane County Clerk of Courts. Dane County also values the diversity, knowledge, and experience its Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American employees bring to county service.
“AMASIAN is deeply honored to accept this resolution recognizing Asian Americans in Dane County. As an organization, we are proud to serve as a central hub for Madison's Asian American community by connecting individuals and families to resources, cultural events, and meaningful programming,” said Anne Marie Malachowski, president of AMASIAN. “We believe that working together and uplifting one another builds a stronger community for all.”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to promoting diversity, ensuring equity, protecting immigrant and refugee communities, and fostering inclusion for all Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities.
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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.