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Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

AAPI Heritage Month is commemorated throughout May, marking the first Japanese immigration to America on May 7, 1843 and the Chinese migrant workers who completed the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. 

Courts and court offices across New York State hosted and participated in events and initiatives to celebrate the diverse AAPI cultures and traditions and to pay tribute to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for their many contributions to the courts, our justice system, and society. 

This AAPI Heritage Month homepage highlights some of these important programs. 

On This Page:

    Leading the Path Forward

    May 21, 2026
    Supreme and County Court of Westchester, White Plains

    Photo (L-R): Honoree David Imamura, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and awardee Justice Lillian Wan at the courthouse celebration in White Plains
    Photo (L-R): Honoree David Imamura, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and awardee Justice Lillian Wan at the courthouse celebration in White Plains

    The Ninth Judicial District—comprising Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties—hosted “The Power of Unity: Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage” in May in White Plains. Presented by the District’s Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, the program brought together judges, court staff, community members, and local leaders to celebrate AAPI heritage and recognize two trailblazers whose work has advanced justice and representation across New York State. 

    This year’s honorees, Hon. Lillian Wan and Westchester County Legislator David Imamura, each embody that commitment through their groundbreaking leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. Justice Wan, whose early passion for child welfare launched her legal career, made history in 2012 when she became the first Asian American woman to serve on the New York City Family Court bench. Her deep experience in protecting vulnerable children shaped her judicial approach and paved the way for further historic achievements. In 2022, she again broke barriers as the first Asian American woman appointed to New York State’s Appellate Division, a milestone for representation within the state’s mid level appellate courts. She has also served as president of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, continuing her advocacy for diversity within the judiciary.

    David Imamura has likewise carved a path as a prominent leader and public servant. In 2023, he became the first Asian American elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, representing a significant step forward in the county’s civic representation. Imamura brought to the role extensive experience in law and policy—including chairing New York State’s Independent Redistricting Commission—and has remained a strong advocate for immigrant rights, fair housing, and community empowerment. His service reflects a longstanding commitment to ensuring government institutions reflect and respond to the communities they serve.

    Ninth Judicial District Administrative Judge Ann Minihan welcomed attendees to the event, highlighting the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to equal justice and the importance of elevating diverse voices within the courts. Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas presented Justice Wan with the Trailblazer in Judicial Excellence Award. Legislator Imamura received the Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award from New York Court of Claims Judge and Westchester County Acting Supreme Court Justice Walter Rivera. 
    By honoring Justice Wan and Legislator Imamura, the District celebrated not only their individual accomplishments but also the broader contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to the justice system and public life. Their stories are reminders of how representation strengthens institutions, inspires future leaders, and enriches the pursuit of equal justice.
     

    Photo (L-R): New York Court of Claims Judge Walter Rivera with honoree David Imamura, who earned the prestigious Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award
    Photo (L-R): New York Court of Claims Judge Walter Rivera with honoree David Imamura, who earned the prestigious Excellence in Legislative Leadership Award 
    Network System Technician Helen Zhu of Queens County Supreme Court performs a classical Chinese dance at the Ninth Judicial District’s AAPI celebration in White Plains
    Photo: Network System Technician Helen Zhu of Queens County Supreme Court performs a classical Chinese dance at the Ninth Judicial District’s AAPI celebration in White Plains

     

     

    Celebrating AAPI Communities

    Bronx County Family Court
    May 5, 2026

    Gathered for a group photo at the Bronx County Family Court’s AAPI celebration are (L-R) Principal Law Clerk Sara Collins-Sedey, Secretary Angelica Bianchetti, Lt. Mido Mary Wu, New York Court of Claims Judge and Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Jay Young Kim, Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy dancer; New York City Criminal Court Justice Coordinator Robert West, Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy dancer, Bronx Family Court Support Magistrate Karen M.C. Cortes, New York City Civil Court Justice Coordinator Chynna Cummings, Lt. Jam
    Gathered for a group photo at the Bronx County Family Court’s AAPI celebration are (L-R) Principal Law Clerk Sara Collins-Sedey, Secretary Angelica Bianchetti, Lt. Mido Mary Wu, New York Court of Claims Judge and Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Jay Young Kim, Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy dancer; New York City Criminal Court Justice Coordinator Robert West, Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy dancer, Bronx Family Court Support Magistrate Karen M.C. Cortes, New York City Civil Court Justice Coordinator Chynna Cummings, Lt. James R. Hansen, New York City Family Court Justice Coordinator Darren J. Edwards, Principal Court Analyst Tiffany Myers Ford, and Major Henry Chen

    The 12th Judicial District’s Equal Justice Committees, with support from the Office for Justice Initiatives, gathered in Bronx County Family Court to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, highlighting this year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.

    Major Henry Chen welcomed attendees, followed by a lively cultural performance from the Korean American Senior Citizens Society of Greater New York. Other presenters included former Family Court Judge Karen M. C. Cortes, the first Filipino American appointed to New York City Family Court; New York City Family Court Administrative Judge Anne-Marie Jolly; Lt. Mido Mary Wu, whose distinguished service reflects AAPI’s growing representation in law enforcement; and New York Court of Claims Judge and Acting Bronx County Supreme Court Justice Jay Young Kim. The speakers focused their remarks on the importance of equity, access to justice, and diversity within the judiciary and across the UCS workforce.

    Guests also enjoyed Bharatanatyam — a classical Indian dance blending movement, music, and storytelling — performed by Kassiyet Adilkhankyzy, along with food and refreshments. Offering opportunities for both engagement and reflection, the Bronx event underscored the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration in fostering welcoming, inclusive spaces and advancing justice.

    New York City Family Court Administrative Judge Anne-Marie Jolly addresses guests at the AAPI Heritage Month celebration at Bronx County Family Court in early May
    New York City Family Court Administrative Judge Anne-Marie Jolly addresses guests at the AAPI Heritage Month celebration at Bronx County Family Court in early May
    Members of the Korean American Senior Citizens Society of Greater New York were among the performers at the Bronx County Family Court’s lively AAPI celebration. Pictured left is Major Henry Chen, who opened and closed the cross-cultural program.
    Members of the Korean American Senior Citizens Society of Greater New York were among the performers at the Bronx County Family Court’s lively AAPI celebration. Pictured left is Major Henry Chen, who opened and closed the cross-cultural program.