1 Proclamation
Whereas, during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, our Nation celebrates the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities; of brave immigrants who, motivated by the promise of possibilities, picked up their lives and found new homes here; of native peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial; and of community leaders shaping a brighter future for us all; and
Whereas, AANHPIs make our Nation more vibrant through diversity of cultures, languages, and religions.
There is no single story of the AANHPI experience, but rather a diversity of contributions that enrich America’s culture and society and strengthen the United States’ role as a global leader. The American story as we know it would be impossible without the strength, contributions, and legacies of AANHPIs who have helped build and unite this country in each successive generation; and
Whereas, the theme for AANHPI Heritage Month 2023 is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity,” and AANHPIs represent us at every level of government, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Vice President of South Asian descent, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam, City of Alameda Vice Mayor Tony Daysog, Councilmember Malia Vella, Library Director Jane Chisaki, Police Chief Nishant Joshi, and City Attorney Yibin Shen; and
Whereas, from historic Oscar-winning performances in film to achievements across business, science, medicine, law, literature, art, sports, the military, government, politics, activism, and civil rights, AANHPIs have shaped and strengthened the fabric of this Nation; and
Whereas, Alameda’s AANHPI community comprises more than 32 percent of Alameda’s population and includes business owners, educators, elected officials, lawyers, judges, artists, clergy members, military personnel, health care professionals, first responders, and essential workers; and
Whereas, despite the immeasurable ways AANHPIs enrich this country, we continue to see racism, harassment, and hate crimes against these communities. Attacks on Asian Americans have left too many families afraid to leave their homes and too many loved ones traumatized. Therefore, we reaffirm that hate must have no safe harbor in America where every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect; and
Whereas, throughout our history, AANHPIs have represented the bigger story of who we are as Americans and embodied the truth that our diversity is our strength as a Nation.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, on behalf of the Alameda City Council, do hereby proclaim May 2023 as
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In the City of Alameda and encourage all Alamedans to learn more about the history of AANHPIs, including by attending an exhibition entitled, “Overflowing with Hope: The Hidden History of Japanese Americans in Alameda” which opens at the Alameda Free Library Thursday May 17, and visiting the newly installed historic markers that bring awareness to Alameda’s hidden Japantown, located at the Alameda Marketplace, Main Library, Buena Vista United Methodist Church, and Buddhist Temple of Alameda.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor