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Last updated: May 7, 2009

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“The sculptural figures mimic brush strokes (like in the background). They also represent leadership that inspires, mentors and leads; helping and lifting people up to face the demands of a changing world.” Peter Hemmer, Defense Department illustrator.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Hampton Roads attorney, mediator to speak at district

May 7, 2009
by Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. — Throughout May, Americans will reflect on and honor the richly diverse and historical accomplishments made by fellow citizens of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, who have shaped the country's history.

This year, Norfolk District employees can reflect on those accomplishments with the assistance of Polly Chong, Hampton Roads attorney and certified mediator, during a presentation 1:30 p.m., May 20, in the multipurpose room of the Waterfield Building.

The 2009 national theme, released by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is "Leadership to Meet the Challenges of a Changing World."

In researching this year's theme, Peter Hemmer, an illustrator with the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, Patrick A.F.B., Fl., said his inspiration for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month poster was very simple – Asian Calligraphy.

"The sculptural figures mimic brush strokes (like in the background). They also represent leadership that inspires, mentors and leads; helping and lifting people up to face the demands of a changing world," explained Hemmer.

Much like Black History Month and Women's History Month celebrations, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill.

In June 1977, Representatives Frank Norton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a House resolution that called upon the president to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. The following month, Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both bills passed an on Oct. 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration.

In May 1990, the holiday expanded when President George H.W. Bush designated May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. May commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated with community festivals, government-sponsored programs, such as the district's annual observance, and educational activities for students.

Attorney Polly Chong

Polly Chong is a practicing attorney, based in Newport News, Va. Her practice extends to Newport News, Hampton, York County, Williamsburg, Isle of Wight County, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. Chong specializes in personal injury, criminal (juvenile and adult), traffic and domestic relations. She works extensively with the Hampton Roads foster care system, and has served as guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults and children. Chong is also a certified mediator.

Chong is Cantonese Chinese. Her maternal grandparents came to the United States via Ellis Island and settled in New York City. Chong's father escaped Canton as a child after being wounded and found by British soldiers. He ultimately arrived in the United States and was united with two uncles in Richmond, Va.

Chong received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Christopher Newport University and her Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University. She passed the Virginia Bar Association exam and became a practicing attorney in 1996. Chong is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Greater Peninsula Women's Bar, the Newport News Bar and the Old Dominion Bar. She is also a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Chong attends Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton.