Senator George Helmy Co-Sponsors Resolution to Celebrate Filipino American History Month

Washington, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today announced he is co-sponsoring the 2024 Filipino American History Month resolution, recognizing Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States.

“The Filipino community has had a tremendous impact on New Jersey and our nation as a whole,” said Senator Helmy. “It is my honor to recognize their achievements and their role in making the Garden State one of the best states in the nation. While Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy, I fought for the passage of legislation that would require New Jersey schools to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander studies. Now, as a United States Senator, it gives me great joy to stand with my colleagues and not only celebrate our Filipino neighbors but go to bat for their needs and concerns every day.”

New Jersey is home to more than 140,000 Filipinos, with the largest Filipino-American populations in Jersey City, Bergenfield, Union, Edison, Hackensack, Dumont, and Bayonne.

October was officially named Filipino American History Month in 2009 celebrating the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States.

“I am immensely grateful to Senator George Helmy for sponsoring the Senate resolution in recognition of Filipino Heritage Month,” said Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio. “As Bergenfield’s second Filipino mayor and a proud first-generation immigrant, this acknowledgment is not just a celebration of our culture but a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. Together, we honor our heritage and inspire future generations to embrace their identities.”

“New Jersey is the proud home of one of the highest concentrations of Filipino Americans on the East Coast, and we are grateful for Senator Helmy’s sponsorship of the Filipino Heritage Month Resolution recognizing their rich history and contributions to our country and communities,” said Amber Reed, Co-Executive Director of AAPI New Jersey.  We are proud of New Jersey’s groundbreaking AAPI curriculum mandate and encourage educators to access our Teach Asian American Stories resources for uplifting the important and too often overlooked stories and histories of Filipino Americans in our schools.”