Why Moments Like this Matter

Last week, UCA WAVES was deeply honored to join the Town of Apex as they issued a Lunar New Year Proclamation, officially recognizing the cultural significance of this holiday and the communities who celebrate it.

Seeing so many AAPI youth in the room made the moment feel particularly powerful. Making young people feel seen, celebrated, and connected to their culture strengthens identity, which is an essential component for mental health and wellbeing.

This was explicitly acknowledged when WAVES Executive Director, Lily Chen, took the floor to speak. She gave a moving speech citing data reflecting the mental health crisis in our youth, and why events like this are so important.

Thank you to the Town of Apex and everyone who made this historic recognition possible. Here’s to the Year of the Horse!

P.S. Want to see Lily’s speech? Click below!