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Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson Welcomes the Alaska Chapter of Make Us Visible to Juneau for American Asian and Pacific Islander Advocacy Day
JUNEAU – Tomorrow, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, welcomes the Alaska chapter of Make Us Visible, a grassroots organization that advocates for the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander history curricula in public education. Senator Gray-Jack has sponsored Senate Bill 131, requiring schools in Alaska to educate students on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
This curriculum, derived from rich and comprehensive resources, will be established and provided by each school district for kindergarten through grade 12 students. The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are aplenty and need to be taught in schools. In addition to teaching about the contributions of the two communities, schools will also educate students on their cultural and economic diversity.
“I am proud that Make Us Visible is in Juneau supporting this legislation that is near and dear to my heart. Alaska has some of the most diverse communities in the country, and continuing to showcase that and expand our knowledge of all cultural contributions to our country brings us all closer together,” said Sen. Gray-Jackson.
On Tuesday, Senator Gray-Jackson will support Make Us Visible at the Alaska State Capitol to promote the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the state of Alaska. In the evening, she will co-host an event at the Filipino Community Hall in downtown Juneau, 251 South Franklin St at 6:00 p.m.
"As an Asian American lawmaker, I am honored to join Senator Gray-Jackson and Make Us Visible in Juneau. Our collective journey isn't solely about representation; it's about our contributions to our nation's history. By recognizing and integrating the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander contributions into our educational system, we're not just acknowledging our past; we're actively shaping a more inclusive future,” said Senator Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks. “This advocacy isn't just about textbooks; it's about fostering empathy, understanding, and unity across diverse communities, ensuring that every child sees themselves reflected in the story of America."
Senate Bill 131 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, April 23, at 9:00 a.m.
For further inquiries and details, please reach out to Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson's office at (907)-465-4930.
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