Aumua Keynotes Library of Congress Event Honoring Asian-Pacific Islander Americans

Washington, D.C. –Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, gave the keynote address during the Library of Congress’ (LOC) presentation on Samoan culture in honor of Asian-Pacific Islander American Heritage Month entitled, Generations of Samoan Culture & History.

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“What a wonderful event the Library of Congress has put together. From the dancers, to the cultural items on display, this event is a fantastic way to educate people about our rich heritage,” said Amata. I am pleased to see that the Library of Congress has such excellent historical records and artifacts on our people and culture, and I could not be more proud to be here today and speak on their behalf,” continued Amata.

The presentation, which was formulated by LOC intern, Mekaella P. Vailu’u, who was appointed as the very first Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) & Diversity Programs intern at the LOC, began with the traditional Samoan Greeting Dance. The two dancers, Karen Satele, and Lealah Thoma of the Pacific Edge Dancers did a fantastic job in opening the presentation, to the delight of those gathered for the event.

Following the Greeting Dance, Congresswoman Amata was introduced to the gathering by the Librarian of Congress David Mao. “I’m sure that many of you know David, but for those who do not, David serves as the Librarian of Congress, a very distinguished appointment, and I am proud to know that it is held by a fellow Asian-Pacific Islander American,” said Amata following her introduction.

The Congresswoman spoke to the gathering for 10 mins on the importance of maintaining the Samoan culture, and those of the other Pacific regions. Amata also touched on the dedication and public service of the American Samoan people stating, “Our young men and women put their lives on the line every day at a rate of ten times those in the states. The dedication to this great nation from our people cannot be underestimated, and I am proud to come from a long line of servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much in her name.”

Following her remarks, several LOC staff gave short presentations on the collection of cultural materials in possession of the LOC.

“I want to thank the Library of Congress for inviting me to be here today and partake in this wonderful event, and I want to encourage you all here today, to go out and spread the word on the contributions to the United States that our people have made,” said the Congresswoman. “Do not do so boastfully, but rather humbly and informatively. It is not our way to thump our chests, or shout from the rooftops, we simply put our noses to the grindstone, and work harder than the guy next to us,” concluded Amata.

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