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Monthly News & Updates

May 2024

Issue XXXVVVVVVIV

Director's Note

አማርኛ (Amharic) | 中文 (Chinese) | Français (French)

한국어 (Korean)| Español (Spanish) |Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:


It has already been a bustling spring for OHR as we marked the 20th anniversary of the DC Language Access Act and observed Fair Housing Month throughout April. Our momentum carries into May as we proudly honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This annual observance is rooted in the rich tapestry of AANHPI history and community, which is made up of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals representing populations from more than 75 countries and islands.


The start of this heritage month traces back to June 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mineta of California advocated for the designation of the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. President Jimmy Carter later expanded this into an annual celebration in October 1978, and President George H.W. Bush further extended it to a month-long recognition twelve years later. May was chosen for its significance, marking both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May 1869, a monumental project constructed mainly by Chinese immigrants.


During this AANHPI Heritage Month, we recognize five civil rights advocates—Yuri Kochiyama, Larry Itliong, Grace Lee Boggs, Haunani-Kay Trask, and Patsy Mink—who all fought for the marginalized and showed courage and leadership through difficult years of uncertainties and fear. These civil rights champions, among many others, taught us resilience could serve as a guiding light, revealing paths toward justice and equality. You can learn more about their journey and the lasting impact of their achievements from our social media channels.


As we reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of AANHPIs who have come before us, let us draw strength from their resilience and continue the fight for a more inclusive community where all are treated with dignity and respect.

In Solidarity,

Kenneth Saunders

Interim Director

Trait of the Month:

Personal appearance is a protected trait under the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 in all four enforcement areas. It is defined as: "outward appearance, irrespective of sex and gender identity or expression, including hair style and color, facial hair, tattoos, body size or shape, and body piercings, subject to business requirements and standards." 



DID YOU KNOW? Historically marginalized communities face different levels of professionalism in the workplace, particularly as it relates to their personal appearance. Professionalism standards are still based on Eurocentric, heteronormative ideologies. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have often experienced discrimination due to wearing traditional garments, like South Asian saris or kurtas, or hairstyles, such as topknots, braids, or afros, worn by some Pacific Islanders in professional settings. This type of discrimination against personal appearance reflects broader stereotypes about AAPI identities.

What's New and Upcoming

The Office of Human Rights (OHR) is excited to invite you and your organization to our Human Rights Liaison (HRL) Training Program 2.0! 


In this training you will learn about:

  • the role of the D.C. Office of Human Rights;
  • D.C.’s journey to becoming a model human rights city;
  • your rights and protections in the District as a resident, employee, or visitor;
  • how to file a complaint with our agency


Registration opens June 5th - stay tuned!

Our Inclusive Language Guide on Sexual Orientation, developed by OHR and MOLGBQTA, will be available online on May 23, 2024.

2024 Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program is Open!


The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) has a unique opportunity for DC high school students to serve as Youth Human Rights Ambassadors. Youth Human Rights Ambassadors will work alongside OHR staff and will have a unique opportunity to be actively involved in local government. Youth Human Rights Ambassadors will be tasked with the following:  

  • Promote dialogue among youth on laws, rights, and issues that impact youth living in the District of Columbia 
  • Develop and implement programming (events, activities, campaigns, etc.) with the goal of engaging and educating District youth and residents about the DC Human Rights Act of 1977, civil rights laws, and other issues that may be of concern.  



For more information about the program and the application, visit HERE now!

2024 AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration


The DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) is celebrating this year's AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month with cultural performances and community service awards that will honor various artists and community leaders.


DDOT's 2024 AANHPI Heritage Month Event


Join the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to honor the contributions, achievements, and influence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders who have shaped the culture and history of Washington, DC!


Virtual Chat & Chew:"Dear Chinatown: Stories and Histories of Places in Chinatown, D.C."




DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov

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