ORLANDO, Fla. — As we close out the month of May and Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month, there is a push to expand history lessons in Florida schools.
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Mimi Chan is a master of kung fu but currently finds herself fighting for education.
“I really feel we need to be reflected in history accurately and recognized for all of the contributions that Asian Americans have had in this country,” Chan said.
That’s why she’s leading the “Make Us Visible” campaign in Florida.
It’s a push to get Asian American history taught in public schools, similar to what is already taught with African American, women’s, and Hispanic heritage studies.
“We’re really just asking for inclusion,” Chan said.
The movement quickly garnered thousands of signatures on Change.org and received bipartisan support in Tallahassee. However, the bill never reached the House or Senate floor.
READ: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Meet UCF Professor Stella Sung
Similar bills were recently passed in Connecticut and New Jersey. That gives Chan more hope that the same can be done in Florida next year.
“We will write another bill. At that point, it is important that people are active and actively calling and speaking out about the fact that this is really important,” Chan said. “It is important because our children are getting bullied in schools or elderly are getting attacked. Women are getting attacked. This is not something that can wait.”
READ: Sheriff’s program aims to strengthen Orange County’s Asian community
You can sign the “Make Us Visible” petition here.
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