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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. At the reception the Mayor presented a proclamation declaring the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to Yvonne Liu, Vice President of the Multicultural Radio Broadcasting Inc.

"Asian Pacific New Yorkers have held an important role in shaping the character of our City with, contributions felt in every borough and neighborhood," Mayor Giuliani said. "Entire neighborhoods throughout our City have been reshaped by residents of Asian and Pacific origin, including Manhattan's world-famous Chinatown, and also such areas as Koreatown in Manhattan's East 30s, Sunset Park, Woodside and Flushing. In fact, Asian and Pacific immigrants have helped make Flushing the fifth-largest commercial district in the entire City."

The month-long event is designed to promote cooperation and understanding among Asian Pacific Americans; advocate the interest of Asian Pacific American communities; and provide a conducive environment for Asian Pacific Americans to utilize their history, culture and art to foster self-esteem and respect for their heritage.

Attendees at the reception enjoyed performances by Xu Jiao Zong of the Chinese American Cultural & Art Association; Balinese Dancers from the Indonesian Consulate; Candace Fung and Jing Wang of the New York Chinese Cultural Center; and Hong Wang of the New York Chinese Folk Dance Company.

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