“As we strive to advance equity and opportunity, we recognize that our work is far from done. But there is much to celebrate and much to lift us up. There are a lot,” she admitted before concluding.
Deputy Secretary David Turk then spoke about U.S. injustices against AA and NHPI communities, including anti-immigrant laws, World War II concentration camps, and anti-Asian violence that escalated in the wake of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. acknowledged part of its history. “Hate and ignorance. I don’t think there’s a better way to put it,” he said, but stressed the need for our country to improve on its past. “We must always recommit. It is important to reflect and recognize, but it is even more important to recommit to breaking down barriers.”
Mr. Turk then introduced Ambassador Chris Lu, a former Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor to President Barack Obama. He is the second Asian American to hold the position of deputy secretary in any department. Mr. Lu praised DOE’s efforts to address climate change, an issue he is asked about every day as the U.S. representative to the United Nations for management and reform.
Mr. Lu shared a historical note that AA and NHPI Month is in May. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869. Thousands of Chinese immigrants worked and, in many cases, died to open Western America to rail travel, but at the time, there were none. The “Golden Spike” driving ceremony celebrates the end of a multi-year project.
