May officially proclaimed AAPI Heritage Month; DCEO to host several events to support AAPI community with business resources

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations with a proclamation recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, spotlights on AAPI-owned businesses and hosting a series of events for business owners throughout May 2022. Additional information about resources and events can be found here.

“During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, DCEO is honoring the critical role that AAPI-owned businesses play in Illinois’ economy,” said Director of DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. “We are committed to creating an inclusive business ecosystem in Illinois, helping to deliver DCEO resources to communities who have traditionally faced systemic barriers to accessing assistance and capital. During AAPI month and throughout the year, we remain steadfast in our partnership with AAPI business owners and AAPI communities across Illinois to increase access to economic opportunity.”

“As the first Asian American elected to the General Assembly, I encourage Illinoisans to celebrate National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by honoring the cultural and economic contributions from the AAPI community,” said State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago). “We will continue to share our message to eliminate anti-Asian sentiment and racism that has been spread throughout the community during the pandemic, while we work with stakeholders statewide to bolster programs and initiatives that support the AAPI community.”

Applications for the After School Matters summer session are now open! The thousands of teens who participate in our innovative programs this summer will explore their passions, develop mentoring relationships, and grow in a youth-centered environment, all while earning a stipend—teens ages 16+ will have the opportunity to earn up to $15 an hour for their participation. Learn more here.

With Governor Pritzker more than doubling funding aimed at reducing firearm violence since he took office, eligible organizations can apply for over $150 million in state funding to further violence prevention efforts.

The grants are made possible through the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA), which aims to address the root causes of firearm violence in Illinois through targeted, integrated behavioral health services, access to economic opportunities, and violence interruption and prevention programs.

For more details on the above grants and the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, visit www.DHS.Illinois.gov/OFVP. All applicants must be GATA prequalified. To learn more check out IDHS’ GATA App.

On Tuesday, March 15 from 5-6 p.m., I will host a town hall to discuss public safety concerns in our district along with Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart and Director Roe Conn. It will be streamed on Facebook live. I hope to see you there.