Consul Romero accepted proclamations from government officials declaring October Filipino American History Month. St. Bernard Council members Howard Luna and Fred Everhardt Jr. presented Romero, president of PLHS, with a proclamation from St. Bernard Parish. Veneeth Iyengar, representing Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, presented Romero with a proclamation from the State of Louisiana. Romero was surprised by the recognition of FAHM given by the state. He thanked the presenters and the community for the work done to raise awareness of the history of Filipinos in Louisiana.

Dr. Randy Gonzales, co-vice president of PLHS, closed out the program by addressing the history of Filipinos in Louisiana. Gonzales shared the story of Filipinos gathering in 1866 at the site of the gala, the Historic St. Bernard courthouse, in order to demand justice, before asking for attendees to celebrate FAHM by sharing the stories of their own Filipino American history.

“We are living history,” Gonzales said. “If you are a parent or grandparent tell your children and grandchildren your family’s story.” Gonzales emphasized that the lack of stories about earlier generations can be partially attributed to community stories not being documented.