南卡州哥伦比亚为亚太裔喝彩——“商务日”载入市政日历 Columbia, SC Celebrates AAPI Community — “Business Day” Officially Added to City Calendar

CHONGGANG YOUYAN

South Carolina Daily

南卡日报消息 5月20日下午，南卡罗来纳州哥伦比亚市议会在市政厅举行每月例会，会上宣布了多项市政公告。其中，最受瞩目的莫过于——将2025年5月27日正式定为该市第五届“亚裔美国人和太平洋岛民商业日”（Asian American and Pacific Islanders Business Day）。这一决定一经宣布，立即赢得全场热烈掌声，现场气氛高涨，成为本次例会最激动人心的时刻。

On the afternoon of May 20, the Columbia City Council held its monthly meeting at City Hall, announcing several new municipal proclamations. Among them, the highlight was the formal declaration of May 27, 2025 as the city’s fifth annual “Asian American and Pacific Islanders Business Day”. The announcement received a warm round of applause from those in attendance, marking the most emotional and exciting moment of the session.

当天的会议于下午4点开始，市政厅会议室座无虚席，现场除市府官员与媒体代表外，还吸引了大量市民和亚太裔社区人士参与，许多旁听者甚至站着旁听会议。随着市议员阿迪蒂·布塞尔斯女士（Aditi Bussells）郑重宣读公告内容，现场响起一阵阵掌声。议员们起立向在场的亚裔来宾致意，表达对亚太裔群体的敬意与支持。

The meeting began at 4:00 p.m., with the council chambers packed to capacity. In addition to city officials and members of the media, a large number of residents and members of the AAPI community came to show their support — many were even standing due to the lack of available seating. As Councilwoman Aditi Bussells solemnly read the contents of the proclamation, the room echoed with applause. Council members stood to honor the Asian guests in attendance, showing their respect and support for the AAPI community.

布塞尔斯女士指出，亚裔美国人如今已成为美国社会不可忽视的力量，特别是在商业领域表现活跃，在南卡州的企业增长速度惊人。她动情地说：“作为南亚裔女性，我深知这项宣言的意义，它象征着多样性和包容性的进步。亚裔企业家的努力让我们的社区更加强大。”

Councilwoman Bussells noted that Asian Americans have become an increasingly vital force in American society, especially in the business sector, where their growth in South Carolina has been remarkable. “As a South Asian woman, I deeply understand the meaning of this proclamation,” she said with emotion. “It represents progress in diversity and inclusion. The hard work of Asian entrepreneurs is making our community stronger.”

哥伦比亚华人协会理事王琳代表亚太裔社区表达感谢。他说：“感谢市长、感谢议员，也感谢在场的各位。今天真是令人激动的一天！作为亚太裔的一员，我感到非常自豪。这个节日不仅是对我们社区的认可，也是在肯定我们文化的价值和贡献。” 他的即兴发言赢得了在场听众的又一轮掌声。

Lin Wang, a board member of the Columbia Chinese Association, delivered remarks on behalf of the AAPI community: “Thank you to the mayor, thank you to the council members, and thank you to everyone here today. This is truly an exciting day! As a member of the AAPI community, I feel incredibly proud. This celebration is not only a recognition of our community but also a validation of the cultural values and contributions we bring.” His spontaneous speech drew another round of enthusiastic applause from the audience.

哥伦比亚市长丹尼尔·J·里肯曼（Daniel J. Rickenmann）与全体市议员共同签署了公告，充分肯定亚太裔在推动城市经济、丰富文化多样性方面所作出的努力。官方数据显示，全美目前约有250万家亚裔企业，其中55.6万家为雇员提供就业机会。

Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann and the entire city council signed the proclamation together, affirming the important role the AAPI community plays in driving the city’s economic development and enriching its cultural diversity. According to official data, there are currently around 2.5 million Asian-owned businesses in the U.S., with 556,000 providing employment opportunities.

对于这一决定，哥伦比亚华人协会会长岑伟荃感慨道：“这项公告的通过，象征着华人以及整个亚太裔群体在本地的政治与社会地位获得公众认可。作为南卡州亚太裔人数最多的群体，我们希望有更多华人积极参与活动，发出自己的声音。”

Weiquan Cen, president of the Columbia Chinese Association, reflected on the announcement, saying, “This proclamation symbolizes the growing recognition of the political and social presence of Chinese Americans and the broader AAPI community in our local area. As the largest AAPI group in South Carolina, we hope more Chinese Americans will take part in civic activities and make their voices heard.”

华人协会理事王琳表示：“这一宣布意义重大，不仅是对亚裔多年默默贡献的肯定，更是一次难得的机会，鼓励我们参与社会事务。今天的会议让人非常振奋，我们应该借此契机，更加关注和参与市政工作。”

Board member Lin Wang added, “This is a significant announcement — it’s not only an acknowledgment of the years of quiet contribution from the Asian community but also a rare opportunity to encourage our active involvement in civic affairs. Today’s meeting was incredibly uplifting. We should seize this moment to stay more engaged with city government.”

据悉，“亚太裔商业日”已连续举办五年，年年反响热烈，形式逐渐丰富。今年活动由Motus Enterprises与Mota Crosslinking Business Academy联合主办，预计将有多场社区庆典、商业展览及文化交流活动展开。

Now in its fifth year, AAPI Business Day continues to grow in popularity and scope. This year’s event is co-hosted by Motus Enterprises and Mota Crosslinking Business Academy, and will feature a series of community celebrations, business exhibitions, and cultural exchange activities.

在全场热烈气氛中，市府对亚太裔来宾表示衷心祝贺，也呼吁各界市民共同参与这一纪念日，弘扬多元文化精神，携手建设更加包容、充满活力的哥伦比亚市。

With excitement running high in the council chambers, city officials extended heartfelt congratulations to the AAPI attendees and encouraged all residents to participate in the day’s events — promoting multicultural values and working together to build a more inclusive and vibrant Columbia.

(南卡日报EMAIL：chonggang2022@gmail.com）