CHICAGO, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Xilin Association, a Chinese organization in the greater Chicago area, has been honored with an award commemorating its economic and cultural contributions to local communities during the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
At a ceremony held at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago last Thursday, Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti presented the award to Linda Yang, executive director of Xilin Association. Five other Asian organizations were also honored at the ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, Sanguinetti said: "Illinois is so blessed to have such a vibrant Asian Pacific American community. The accomplishments we celebrate today should remind us all that Asian Pacific American history is part of our shared history and should be embraced every day."
"It is crucial that we celebrate and recognize the achievements made in the Asian American Pacific Islander community," said Janice Glenn, acting director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). "They are playing leading roles in every sector of our society. Today, we honor some of these leaders, who contribute not only to their local communities, but to their home countries as well."
Founded in 2003, Xilin is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of families in the greater Chicago area by providing an innovative educational system for children, a friendly and spacious adult day care for seniors, and cross-cultural community events and activities for all individuals. The 8 Chinese language schools run by Xilin Association have especially attracted children nearby.
Gov. Bruce Rauner proclaimed the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. He designated this month as a celebration of the culture, traditions, history and accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans here in Illinois.
