Proclamation
May is National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month which encompasses countries across the entire Asian continent, including China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, and the Pacific Islands, including Samoa, Tonga, and Guam.
This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience” was chosen by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) to honor the hard work of AANHPI leaders “who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.” The 2025 AANHPI Heritage Month poster features bamboo which is a symbol of strength, endurance, and resilience because of its ability to withstand the harshest conditions, and its solid foundation that allows it to bend with the wind and stand tall after the storm passes.
Immigrants from AANHPI nations arrived in this country filled with hope and searching for better lives for themselves and future generations. Despite the relentless obstacles they encountered, from racist exclusion laws to language divides and being denied citizenship, they persevered. And today, their children and grandchildren are leaders, change-makers, and pillars of their communities—a testament to the unwavering spirit of their ancestors who faced adversity with dignity and strength.
We honor the enduring legacy of AANHPI trailblazers and leaders whose resilience and courage paved the way for future generations, including Lieutenant Susan Ahn Cuddy who, in 1942 during World War II, joined the Navy Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service, or WAVES, despite anti-Asian sentiments and sexism in the US Military, becoming the first Korean American woman in the U.S. military , and the first female Navy gunnery officer. The late Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, born to Japanese immigrant parents, was sent with his family to an internment camp during World War II, but rose to serve in the U.S. Army, Congress, and in the Cabinets of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush —transforming a history of injustice into a lifelong commitment to public service and equity.
Today, AANHPIs are the fastest-growing demographic among the nine Bay Area counties, comprising 27 percent of all Bay Area residents, and more than 30 percent of Alameda’s population.
The City of Alameda proudly honors the Legacy of AANHPI Leadership and Resilience that has shaped our community, our region, and our state. From Korean Independence activists who organized in the Bay Area, to Southeast Asian refugees who rebuilt their lives in Alameda after the Vietnam War, AANHPI residents turned hardship into hope and enriched the City’s cultural and civic life.
Their legacy lives on in Alameda, where AANHPI residents continue to lead with vision and purpose. They include: the late Wilma Chan, former Speaker of the California State Assembly and Alameda County Supervisor; Betty Yee, former State Controller; Rob Bonta, California Attorney General and former State Assemblymember and Alameda City Councilmember ; Lena Tam , Alameda County Supervisor and former Alameda City Councilmember; and City Councilmember Tony Daysog. Also, Rev. Michael Yoshii, former Pastor of Buena Vista United Methodist Church and C o-Chair of the Friends of Wadi Foquin ; and Alameda Chamber Board Chair and Businesswoman Joann Guitarte.
Across our island, AANHPI educators, small business owners, healthcare workers, and artists enrich Alameda’s diverse fabric—ensuring that the spirit of leadership and resilience endures for generations to come.
Now, therefore, I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as
Asian American-Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month
in the City of Alameda and encourage all Alamedans to learn more about the remarkable history of AANHPIs through related books, films, and other resources at the Alameda Free Library. The Library’s many Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events include:
Digitizing and Documenting Your Family History
Saturday, May 4, 1:00 PM, Main Library
Japanese-English Bilingual Family Storytime
Saturday, May 10, 10:30 AM, West End Library
From Folktales to Fairytales that will include puppets and songs Saturday, May 10, 1:00 PM, Leydecker Event Room
Family Storytime with Alameda author, Edna Cabacin Moran will include a Hula demonstration and discussion of the art of Hawaiian storytelling
Saturday, May 17, 3:00 PM, West End Library
Short stories originating in India, Japan, China, and the Philippines from Storyteller Roopa Mohan Wednesday, May 21, 3:30 PM, Main Library
Film Screening: Mother Earth, the Magnificent with Traditional Song & Dance Saturday, May 24, 2:00 PM, Main Library
Kids Go Mandarin! presents a Musical Mandarin-English Bilingual Family Storytime Tuesday, May 27, 10:30 AM, West End Library
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor