WHIAANHPI Highlights, December 23, 2021

 

WHIAANHPI Highlights, December 23, 2021

 

 As 2021 draws to a close, I would like to take this moment to thank you for your efforts and support in advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. With your partnership this year, we have officially launched the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; brought important updates to the community through our stakeholder engagement efforts; and strengthened a foundation for federal interagency policy changes and regional community outreach.

 To keep your family safe this holiday season, please remember that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. If you have already received two doses of the vaccine, a booster shot is also recommended to help keep up protection. Further information about booster eligibility from the CDC is available here.

 I look forward to our continued partnership in 2022 and beyond. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season and a joyful New Year!

HHS Secretary Becerra Launches WHIAANHPI, Announces Co-Chair Ambassador Tai

 

Secretary Xavier Becerra (bottom left), Ambassador Katherine Tai (bottom right), Erika Moritsugu (top right), Krystal Ka‘ai (bottom center) and Hannah Kim (top left) at the virtual press conference for the launch of WHIAANHPI, December 9, 2021.

 

On December 9, 2021, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra launched the Biden-Harris Administration’s WHIAANHPI and announced U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai as his co-chair of both WHIAANHPI and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. In addition to the two co-chairs, Krystal Ka’ai, WHIAANHPI Executive Director, and Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AA and NHPI Senior Liaison, also made remarks. The announcement also included the launch of WHIAANHPI’s Interagency Working Group and Regional Network. Read the press release here, and watch the announcement here.

 

President Biden Appoints 23 Community Leaders to President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

This Monday, December 20, 2021, President Biden announced the 23 new commissioners of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Read the announcement here.

The appointed commissioners are: Dr. Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola, Ajay Bhutoria, Luisa Blue, Dr. Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Dr. Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Daniel Dae Kim, Kevin D. Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Dr. Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, The Honorable Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.

HHS Secretary Becerra and USTR Ambassador Tai also released the following joint statement: “As co-chairs of [the Commission], we offer our sincerest congratulations to the 23 commissioners who have been newly appointed today. They are distinguished leaders and experts from across the country, representing communities and private and public sectors nationwide, representing the diversity of the AA and NHPI populations. We look forward to working together to provide independent recommendations to the President and the Federal government on ways the public, private and non-profit sectors can collaborate to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.” Read the full press release here. 

Marketplace Open Enrollment Deadline January 15

Don’t miss your chance! January 15, 2022 is the last day to enroll in marketplace health plans. With the American Rescue Plan, more than 150,000 uninsured now have access to zero-dollar premium plans, and 197,000 uninsured Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders may now be eligible for additional savings. Discover plans available to you and enroll today here.

From the start of Open Enrollment through December 15, 2021, a historic high of more than 13.6 million people have already enrolled in health insurance coverage for 2022 through HealthCare.gov and State-based Marketplaces. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, 92% of people who selected federal Marketplace coverage will receive premium tax credits. Read the HHS press release on Open Enrollment updates here.

Last Chance to Submit Public Comments for COVID-19 Hate Crimes Guidance

On October 5, 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra co-hosted a listening session with stakeholders on the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in May. Under the legislation, the Department of Justice and HHS, in coordination with the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and community-based organizations, are required to issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to submit public comments is January 10, 2022. Comments should be emailed to COVID19HateCrimesGuidance@hhs.gov.

White House Highlights

White House Fellows Deadline January 7

The 2022 to 2023 White House Fellows application is now live. Applications are due January 7, 2022 at 4:59 PM EST. The purpose of this program is to provide gifted and highly motivated young Americans with first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement and responsibility in the leadership of society. Learn more about the program history, criteria, and interview process here. Questions or comments can be sent to whitehousefellows@whf.eop.gov.

President Biden and The First Lady Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack, Mark Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden marked the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a somber visit to the World War II Memorial in the Nation’s capital on December 7, 2021. Read the President’s Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day here.

On November 19, 2021, the President and First Lady extended their wishes to the Sikh community on the 552nd anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. Read the President’s statement on the Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth here.

White House and WHIAANHPI Roundtables for AA and NHPI Entrepreneurs and CEOs

On November 30, 2021, the White House and WHIAANHPI hosted a listening session with AA and NHPI hardware entrepreneurs to close out National Entrepreneurship Month. During the session, senior Biden-Harris Administration officials discussed ways that the Administration is committed to working with entrepreneurs to increase access to capital, federal procurement, and access to recovery programs.

On December 21, 2021, the White House and WHIAANHPI met with AA and NHPI CEOs and business leaders to listen to the economic challenges AA and NHPI business leaders are facing and their ideas to move the economy forward.

Senior Biden-Harris Administration officials meet with AA and NHPI CEOs on December 21, 2021.

 

Federal Agency Highlights

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su Visit Pilipino Workers Center

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su visit the Pilipino Workers Center, December 6, 2021 [Source: U.S. Department of Labor].

 Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su visited the Pilipino Workers Center’s Larry Itliong Village on December 6, 2021 to meet with Los Angeles-based worker centers. Secretary Walsh and Deputy Secretary Su spoke with immigrant workers and learned about their advocacy work for workplace justice.

National Endowment for the Arts Highlights AA and NHPI Artists

The National Endowment for the Arts featured first-person narratives of eight AA and NHPI artists in the latest issue of its agency magazine titled “Showing Strength Through Creativity. Equity and Access in the Arts for Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities." Read their stories here.

 

NASEM Convenes “COVID-19, Health Equity, and the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Communities” Workshop

 

The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) convened a two-day public workshop on December 7 and 9, 2021 on how the COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected the AA and NHPI communities. Click here for more information including the meeting materials.

 

 

Resources and Opportunities

 

Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

 

The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which established the original SSBCI program. The new version of the program will provide a combined $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to empower small businesses to access capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities as the country emerges from the pandemic. The funds will also support recipient jurisdictions in promoting American entrepreneurship and democratizing access to startup capital across the country, including in underserved communities. Applications for SSBCI capital programs from states, territories, Washington, DC, and Tribal governments must be completed by February 11, 2022. More details here.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Learn more about this program in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese here.

ICYMI: Webinar on the Importance of COVID-19 Booster Shots for AA and NHPI Communities

In a joint webinar from Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and HHS’ We Can Do This campaign, experts shed light on and answer the community’s questions about booster eligibility, safety, accessibility, and effectiveness against COVID-19 variants. You can access the webinar here.

Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge

The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge aims to get Americans back to work by building and strengthening systems and partnerships that bring together employers who have hiring needs with other key entities to train workers with in-demand skills that lead to good paying jobs. These systems and partnerships will create and implement industry-led training programs designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. The application deadline is January 26, 2022. You can find more details here.

AmeriCorps: MLK Day of Service

The commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is a call to act on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of social justice and equity. This day marks our opportunity to recommit as citizens by volunteering in service to others. Through those efforts, we can strengthen ties to our communities and one another while we address critical issues that divide us. This year, MLK Day will take place on Monday, January 17, 2022. Follow the digital conversation on MLK Day and the days leading up to it on AmeriCorps’ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Visit here to find information, including:

• How to add your MLK Day volunteer opportunity to the AmeriCorps search tool
• How to find in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities on MLK Day
• Tools, resources, and informational webinars for participating and planning MLK Day service projects in your community.

波士頓市長吳弭，議員Ed Flynn與華埠居民同慶豎立雙語路牌

波士頓華埠民眾和政要在雙語路牌前合影。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 12月22日中午，下大雨，幾十名華埠民眾依然紛沓而來，在華埠牌樓前慶祝歷經4任市長的漫長努力，波士頓華埠街道路牌終於有了中文。

           如今都已過世的華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂，余顯生，當年提出「雙語路牌」請願案後，華人前進會李素影、駱理德、鄺寶蓮，華埠居民會的執委們等等許多人協助推動居民連署，包括堡壘村居民會執委梅清焉，黃氏宗親會婦女部主任黃周麗桃等，也都曾經抱著一疊疊請願書，分頭努力地請居民，宗親簽名支持。

波士頓市長吳弭(左五)和華人前進會職員鄺寶蓮(右二)等人合影。(周菊子攝)

           只是這一提案從萬寧諾(Tom Menino)時代開始，歷經馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)，Kim Janey，直到吳弭(Michelle Wu)當選波士頓市長，已第3度連任的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)再接再勵奔走，波士頓市政府對華埠的這一承諾，才終於落實。

            經由Ed Flynn辦公室的廣告週知，波士頓華埠居民，以及各個華埠僑團的活躍人士，包括中華耆英會創辦人梅伍銀寬，曾任中華公所主席的李衛新，黃國威，何遠光，阮鴻燦，昭倫公所主席謝如鍵，鳳倫公所主席司徒宗達，龍岡親義公所主席關麗莎，至德三德公所主席之一的吳皓，以及曾任波士頓海港協會執行長的李威儀(Vivian Li)，撐著傘，冒著雨，都趕到了華埠牌樓前，為這歷史事件做見證。

波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu，左起)，麻州眾議員Aaron Michlewitz，和波士頓市議員Ed
Flynn等人為波士頓華埠設雙語路牌致詞。(周菊子攝)

          紐英崙余風采堂主席余宗濤也陪著雙語路牌提案人余仕昂的兒子，曾任波士頓公校副校長的余仲強，站在人群中，為余氏宗親帶頭發起的請願活動落實高興。

波士頓華埠居民會代表致詞。

            已傳出消息將出任波士頓市議會下任議長的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)為「雙語路牌」揭幕儀式開場致詞。他強調，這是各界努力的結果，包括市政府的交通局，公共工程局，都為此事出力。他感謝        波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)，不分區市議員米高法拉提(Michael Flahety)，Ruthzee Louijeune，轄區包括華埠的麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)等人出席揭幕式，強調「雙語路牌」是對移民社區的尊重。

雙語路牌提案人余仕昂的兒子余仲強很高興看到父親的提案落實。(周菊子攝)

           波士頓市長吳弭說她很榮幸有這機會繼承前任奠基的工作，更感謝華埠居民的不懈努力。她個人對此也很有感觸，想當年她父母來到美國，就是先落腳於芝加哥華埠，後來雖然她們曾數度遷移，但無論是要開車一小時或一個半小時，她父母總是要讓他們小孩子能夠經由華埠的招牌，人們說話的語言，來感受到他們的出身與中國文化的連結。吳弭還用中文說了句，「非常謝謝大家，很榮幸能夠和大家在一起」。

              波士頓市府這次為波士頓華埠製作了4塊雙語路牌，必珠街，尼倫街，夏利臣街，泰勒街。波士頓市長吳弭在回應提問時欣然表示，這只是開始，將為華埠繼續增設雙語路牌。

華人前進會職員鄺寶蓮(中)說明華埠居民會在促成雙語選票上的功勞。(周菊子攝)

吳弭簽字取消發展可負擔住宅發展最低街邊停車位限制

MAYOR WU ELIMINATES PARKING MINIMUMS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 22, 2021 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu signed an amendment to the Boston Zoning Code to eliminate off-street parking minimums for affordable housing developments. The amendment will remove parking minimums for residential developments where at least 60 percent of the units are income-restricted at 100 percent Area Median Income (AMI) or below. This will streamline and remove burdens in developing affordable housing in Boston.  “This action will help take down barriers to the creation of new affordable housing across the city,” said Mayor Wu. “We need every tool in our toolbox to address our city’s housing crisis. Eliminating parking minimums removes an outdated standard from our zoning code and will spur new housing to make it easier for Bostonians to live and stay in our city.”  This follows unanimous approval by the Boston Zoning Commission, as well as the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) Board last month. “Eliminating parking minimums for affordable housing developments in Boston is a major step towards expediting much needed transit-oriented housing and moving forward on our climate and sustainability goals,” said BPDA Director Brian Golden. “I thank the BPDA staff and our partners in City Council who have helped us move this important zoning amendment forward.”  The zoning change will not eliminate all parking at qualified residential projects, but rather will allow each individual project to determine the amount of off-street parking necessary based on the needs of the project's residents, rather than the existing, outdated formula. The Boston City Council unanimously passed the text amendment to the zoning code at a meeting in October, put forward by Council President Pro Tempore Matt O’Malley and Councilor Kenzie Bok. “The need to build affordable housing in Boston has never been more vital, with half of Boston's renters being rent-burdened,” said Council President Pro Tempore O’Malley. “Eliminating parking minimums is an impactful and commonsense policy solution that can provide transformative relief for affordable housing builders.” “We know that every unit lost due to delay or the cost of unnecessary, mandated parking is a lost housing opportunity for someone who badly needs it. This zoning amendment allows the city and our partners to put homes for people first and remove parking minimums that don’t reflect our current needs,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok. “I’m so proud to have co-sponsored this with Councilor Matt O’Malley, and I’m grateful to folks like Mass Senior Action and others that shared and organized public testimony, as well as the BPDA, DND, and BTD for their partnership and support of this amendment.” “Too many barriers get in the way of creating affordable housing that communities want,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “Removing parking minimums helps clear the way for more homes Boston residents can afford. Thanks to Mayor Wu, the BPDA, DND, and the Boston City Council for leading this reform to create a more inclusive and resilient city.” “Boston desperately needs more affordable housing and the costly parking minimum mandates were a barrier to that shared community goal,” said Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts Jesse Kanson-Benanav. “Today, that barrier was lifted. With the elimination of parking minimums for affordable housing we can expect to see more affordable homes being built for more people, more quickly across the entire City of Boston.” Earlier this year, the BPDA and the Boston Transportation Department announced the new Transportation Demand Management development review guidelines. As part of the new guidelines, developers of large projects must complete a demand management point system tool to increase access to sustainable transportation for their tenants. The guidelines also include new maximum parking ratios that model the amount of parking built based on a development’s walkability and mobility choices. The maximum ratios will urge developments in walkable, transit-rich areas to build less parking than developments with fewer mobility options.

華美福利會訂1/13舉辦首屆亞裔商業計畫創意比賽 (2022年)

 First Asian Pitch Contest by the Asian Business Training & Mentorship Program of the Asian American Civic Association 第一屆亞裔商業計劃創意比賽，2022年1月13日6p-9p 在VietAID辦公室舉行（Dorchester, Charles街42號)。請帶上您的創意進行4分鐘的宣傳演示，由一組企業高管擔任評委，每項目奬金$2,000。查詢：617-953-0954 或 abtm@aaca-boston.orgcj8

黃官羨閱報室聖誕聯歡 鄉親，宗親、租客同歡

黃官羨閱報室創辦人黃官羨和鄉親、好友同慶佳節。前排右起，黃兆祥，鄺元傑，黃漢湖，馬瑞明，黃偉健，黃官羨，伍輝民，黃國麟，李兆桃。
(周菊子攝)

黃官羨創辦的帝苑大酒樓雖然以轉手他人經營，酒樓大堂仍掛著他和許多名人的合影。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 過完冬至，就要新年，黃官羨閱報室創辦人黃官羨特地選在聖誕節前的12月21日，邀來台山老鄉、黃伍宗親，以及多名他的波士頓華埠物業租客歡聚一堂，交流，聯誼，鼓勵大家參與公共事務，關注華人社區福祉。

              黃官羨閱報室座落在必珠街(Beach)3號的地下室，和台山同鄉聯誼會的會址對門兒立，從2007年對外開放迄今，造福鄉梓無數。許多進城鄉親，難得來波士頓華埠一趟，累了就可以在「黃官羨閱報室」歇會兒，喝口茶，讀下報紙，看點電視，和鄉親朋友聊聊，十分愜意。

黃周麗桃以英語致詞。

             台山同鄉聯誼會會長鄺元傑，副會長黃漢湖，剛當選為黃氏宗親會主席的台山副會長黃偉健，會員馬瑞明等人在慶祝會中一一致詞，講述黃官羨在波士頓與台山等地的義舉。黃氏宗親會婦女部主任黃周麗桃還用英文簡述了黃官羨的祝賀節慶之意。

台山同鄉聯誼會會長鄺元傑講述黃官羨來自白沙鎮西村鄉的博士村。

             由於黃伍一家親的習俗而應邀到場的有伍氏宗親會主席伍輝民，伍鍾美貞，前主席伍侃滋，李晶夫婦，黃國麟，黃周麗桃夫婦。台山同鄉聯誼會有鄺元傑，黃漢湖，黃紹培，黃偉健，此外還有向黃官羨承租開店的紫菱髮廊老闆李瓊花，茶道(Tea Do)老闆潘世雄，家和超市老闆王乾，曾任紐英崙中華公所主席的黃兆祥，台山同鄉聯誼會前會長李兆桃等人都參加了聚會。

             黃官羨是台山市白沙鎮西村鄉人。由於他對家鄉關愛有加，不但多次捐款支持西村健水泥大道，設立西村紹憲學校獎學金基金，還在2000年，紹憲學校重建校舍時，捐款1萬美金，台山市白沙鎮歸國華僑聯合會慎重其事發函，在節日期間獻上祝福，並匯報黃官羨家鄉的西村，在中國推動”振興鄉村”，”美立鄉村”等政策中，村容更加美麗，村民還攜手整修了池塘，加裝太陽能LED路燈等，邀他有空回家鄉看看。

"茶道"老闆潘世雄(左)向黃官向承租，在泰勒街上開鈿，已不下9年。

             台山鄉親指出，白沙鎮西村鄉在台山有「博士村」之稱，1986年時曾有人統計，該地人家僅有500餘戶，就有31名博士，10名碩士，60多名學士，洛杉磯的世界華人之聲電台都曾特地前往採訪。黃官羨的子女也都十分傑出，其中一名兒子還曾經在前任交通部部長趙小蘭手下工作過，但最讓台山鄉親引以為榮的是黃官羨的樂善好施，設立了「黃官羨閱報室」。(更新版)

和黃官羨(左)合影的王乾(右)經營家和超市，他父親和夥伴經營帝苑大酒樓。

台山同鄉聯誼會副會長黃偉健剛當選為黃氏宗親會主席。

馬瑞明宣讀台山白沙鎮歸國華僑聯合會發給黃官羨的賀信。

台山同鄉聯誼會副會長黃漢湖主持致詞儀式。

伍氏宗親會主席伍輝民、伍鍾美貞夫婦。

伍氏宗親會前任主席伍侃滋，李晶夫婦。

波士頓安良工商會會長交接 伍輝民連任、黃國健再出馬

波士頓安良工商會新屆職員在全美總理陳仕維(右一起)主禮中，宣誓就任。前排右二起為，黃展堂，伍輝民、黃國健，司徒炳思。

全美安良工商會總理陳仕維(中)和2名波士頓新會長伍輝民(右)，黃國健(左)上香。
(周菊子攝)

                           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓安良工商會12月21日在眾多社團首長出席道賀、見證中，隆重完成新屆職員交接儀式，由伍輝民連任聯選會長，黃國健再度出任自治會長。

左起，梅華少，湯偉業，余麗媖，黃國健，李天生，司徒炳思，伍輝民等洪門、安良兄弟。
(周菊子攝)

              全美安良總理陳仕維，新當選的洪門致公堂總理余麗媖，駐波士頓台北經文處處長孫儉元，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，候任紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，以及各僑團首長，波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)等共有四、五十名嘉賓出席盛會，恭賀中文書記梅宇國，英文書記黃展堂，財政余寶愛，以及4名幫辦司徒炳思，鄧北海，李天生，伍偉業等新屆職員在關公像前宣誓就任。

              兩名會長感謝嘉賓們到場，慨言新冠疫情期間，會務難以開展，許多活動停辦，還有幹部辭職、生病、辭世，人事因此有頗大變化，工作推動的確困難重重，好在他們和2名總理鄧遐勳、陳仕維溝通良好，才得以「上通下達，政通人和」。期待新的一年，有一眾新屆幹部支持，能夠盡力為會員，社區提供更多服務。

波士頓安良2名新屆會長伍輝民(右)、黃國健致詞。

              根據維基百科，波士頓安良工商會是1894年時由曾為孫中山當保鑣，人稱洪門五叔的司徒美堂所創建，以「除暴安良」為宗旨，曾經是地方上華裔民眾身家性命的重要保護者，當年更是波士頓華埠內與洪門致公堂，協勝工會三足鼎立，跺腳有聲的最有權勢僑團，在地方民眾為傳承中華文化，教育子女時，還慷慨斥資創辦了中華廣教學校。

過去這幾十年來，波士頓安良工商會內部發生不少事故，老一輩日漸凋零，新會員陸續加入，幾番改朝換代。新冠疫情發生後，許多會員不願意出門，會所處於半關閉狀態，接著陸續發生前會長陳文棟因病住院，前財政陳文浩因病辭世，然後是外交黃立輝，中文書記方遠康辭職，會務推展陷入困境，後由總理陳仕維出面協調，整頓人事，21日這天才有了場面盛大的新就職員交接儀式，甚至請出了資深安良人梅炳鈿為上香，敬酒，獻三牲等儀式把關，親自敲鑼代替鳴炮，圓滿交接。

今年的安良工商、洪門致公堂這兩大僑團的全美總理，依序右二起，陳仕維，余麗媖，
今年都出自大波士頓。駐波士頓經文處處長孫儉元(右一)，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮
幸運的躬逢其盛。(周菊子攝)

波士頓安良資深成員梅炳鈿親自敲鑼。(周菊子攝)

前右起，波士頓洪門致公堂的阮振強，黃國威，伍伯和，余麗媖等僑團首長出席
波士頓安良幹部交接典禮。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長吳弭指派前手下Jessicah Pierre當通訊長

(Boston Orange綜合編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)今(22)日宣佈指派Jessicah Pierre為通訊長，訂1月3日上任。                Jessicah Pierre將擔任無政府的通訊主任及顧問，指導通訊團隊和波士頓居民聯繫，建立信任與透明度，和所有的波士頓鄰里互動。              吳弭表示，”歡迎Jessicah回波士頓市政府，把她打造波士頓社區的熱情與愛，加強我們和波士頓所有社區居民的聯繫，都帶回來，我很激動”。              Jessicah是一名公關人，企業策略者，寫作者，曾用她的公關及企業技能來支持社區，提升了諸如麻州黑人經濟協會，政策研究院等組織的工作。做為寫作者，她曾在多徹斯特報導者上撰寫每週專欄，凸顯波士頓黑人社區的重要事件，計畫及議題。在吳市長競選時，她曾任新聞秘書，也曾是吳弭任市議員時的通訊員工。             Jessicah表示，做為波士頓居民，她了解許多社區在以其相應文化方式獲得關鍵資訊上所面對的障礙。她期待領導一個包容的，能反映波士頓市多元化，能團結社區，為波士頓居民帶來他們應得改變的通訊部門。             Jessicah在波士頓出生，長大，對溝通所扮演的角色有深入了解，也經由說故事鼓勵社區聯繫。做為安全空間及平等的鼓吹者，她還在在波士頓內創辦了致力於增加有色專業及企業家婦女能力的Queens公司。              Jessicah Pierre目前住在多徹斯特，喜歡練瑜珈，輔導年輕人。             波士頓市長吳弭上任以來，持續致力打造熱情，知識淵博，反映波士頓市多元化的內閣。上星期她只派了Brianna Millor擔任社區餐與長，其他的指派包括Adam Cederbaum擔任市府法律顧問，Jascha Franklin-Hodge擔任街道長，Segun Idowu擔任經濟機會及包容長，Monica Bharel加入資深顧問行列，Sheila Dillion擔任房屋長，Bisola Ojikutu博士擔任波士頓公共衛生局行政主任，都是內閣層級。Alex Lawrence則是代理資訊長。 MAYOR WU APPOINTS JESSICAH PIERRE AS CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER  Pierre will lead the City’s press, speechwriting, digital and photography teams, sharing the Wu Administration’s vision to build an equitable, connected city

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 22, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced today that she is appointing Jessicah Pierre as Chief Communications Officer, starting January 3. Pierre will serve as lead communications director and advisor for the Wu administration, guiding a communications team that will aim to connect with Boston residents where they are, build trust and transparency, and engage with all of Boston’s neighborhoods. “I’m thrilled to welcome Jessicah back to City Hall, bringing her passion for building community and love for Boston to strengthen our connection to residents across every neighborhood,” said Mayor Wu. “Jessicah shares our vision of a Boston for everyone, and I’m so excited to see her leadership in helping each of our City departments meet residents where they are with creative, transparent, and proactive communications.” Jessicah Pierre is a publicist, business strategist, and writer who has used her public relations and entrepreneurial skills to build community and elevate the work of organizations like the Black Economic Council of MA and the Institute for Policy Studies. As a writer, she formerly wrote a weekly column in the Dorchester Reporter, highlighting important events, initiatives, and issues in Boston’s Black communities. Previously, Pierre served on Mayor Wu’s campaign as the press secretary and as communications staff in Wu’s City Council office. "I am humbled by the opportunity to join Mayor Wu's administration and serve the city that I love,” said Jessicah Pierre. “As a Boston resident, I understand the barriers that many of our neighbors face in getting access to critical information in a culturally competent way. I am looking forward to leading an inclusive communications department that is reflective of our city’s diversity to carry out a vision that brings our communities together, and provides the much needed change that Boston residents deserve.” Born and raised in Boston, Pierre has a deep understanding of the role that communications and the media has in mobilizing communities and building connections through storytelling. As a curator of safe spaces and an advocate for equity, she is also the founder of Queens Company, a leading organization in Boston dedicated to empowering women of color professionals and entrepreneurs.  Jessicah Pierre is currently a Dorchester resident who enjoys practicing yoga and mentoring young people.  This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s efforts to quickly build a passionate, knowledgeable Cabinet that reflects the diversity of Boston. Last week the Mayor appointed Brianna Millor as Chief of Community Engagement. Other recent appointments include Adam Cederbaum as Corporation Counsel, Jascha Franklin-Hodge as Chief of Streets, and Segun Idowu as Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. Additionally, Dr. Monica Bharel previously joined the administration as a senior advisor, Sheila Dillion was reappointed as Chief of Housing, and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu’s position as Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), all serving in cabinet-level roles. Alex Lawrence was appointed Interim Chief Information Officer.