White Plains, NY — The Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday for the first time celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special video ceremony, honoring two organizations for their important community work during a time of increased anti-Asian sentiment.

In his opening remarks, Board Chair Benjamin Boykin (D – White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) praised the many valuable contributions of Asian American to this country, and denounced the recent rise in hate crimes and discrimination that has surfaced with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boykin said, “We need to be clear that here in Westchester County, there is zero tolerance for this kind of behavior, and it is both vital and timely that we support organizations like the two were honoring tonight to protect and engage the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Legislator Ruth Walter (D – Bronxville, Yonkers) presented a proclamation to OCA-Advocate Westchester Hudson Valley (WHV), the local chapter of the national D.C. based organization. OCA was founded in 1973, and has worked tirelessly to eliminate hate speech, fight for criminal justice reform and lobby for national legislation for immigration reform and anti-hazing in the military. In early 2000, OCA was renamed OCA Advocate, embracing the hopes and aspirations of Asian American and Pacific Islanders. OCA Advocate-Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter is currently one of the 100 chapters and affiliates of the national organization. The chapter is an award winning advocacy organization and one of the oldest in the tristate region.

Legislator Walter spoke with pride at having the opportunity to present the proclamation, praising the organization for not only advocating and protecting the AAPI community, but for their commitment to celebrating their culture through events for all to enjoy.

William Kaung, VP of Advocacy and Board member, accepted on behalf of the organization. 

He thanked Walter for the honor and said, “I have been with OCA for 25 years. I remember when Westchester County reached out to OCA Advocate in 1999 to organize a festival celebrating Asian culture. There had been nothing like it before that so we worked to make it happen and it has been a tradition ever since.”

The Board has declared May 25, 2021 “OCA Advocate-Westchester & Hudson Valley Day” in Westchester County.

Watch the presentation to OCA Advocate-WHV here: https://vimeo.com/553482485

Legislator Catherine F. Parker (D – Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye) presented a proclamation honoring The Irfan Kathwari Foundation of New Rochelle. The foundation was established in 1992 in Larchmont by Farida and Farooq Kathwari in memory of their son, Irfan. It supports special projects in their native Kashmir, as well as organizations in the U.S. involved with education, minority enrollment, humanitarian assistance, and conflict resolution. In addition, through his role as CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc., Farooq has created a corporate culture that embraces the values of the family’s foundation.

“Through their family foundation, the Kathwari’s have been able to contribute to so many worthy causes at a local, national, and international level, and each member of the family is dedicated as an individual to making the world a better place,” said Parker.

In thanking Parker and the Board for the honor, Farooq said, “I am lucky to have had the opportunity to benefit from the great American dream - the American adventure – by coming here from the beautiful mountains of Kashmir, receiving an excellent education and working for one of the iconic American brands …the diversity of America is its strength, but we all have a responsibility to contribute as well.”

His daughter, Farah Kathwari added, “As a proud Westchester native, born and raised in New Rochelle, this is a very special day for our family. I look forward to continued involvement and volunteer opportunities with the Human Rights Commission and similar activities for the benefit of Westchester County.”

The Board has declared May 26, 2021 “Irfan Kathwari Foundation Day” in the County of Westchester.

Watch the video presentation here: https://vimeo.com/553481751

Read a program for Monday night’s event at: https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/Newsroom/2021/2021-AAPI-Program.pdf

(PICTURED ABOVE L to R: Leg. Ruth Walter with OCA Advocate VP William Kaung; Leg. Catherine Parker with Farida, Farooq and Farah Kathwari)