TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill in June of 1977. On March 28, 1979 President Carter issued Presidential Proclamation 4650, proclaiming the week beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week; and WHEREAS, on May 1, 2009 President Obama issued Presidential Proclamation 8369 proclaiming May 2009 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; and WHEREAS, the month of May was selected as it honors the immigration of the first Japanese residents to the United States in 1843. Additionally, May also marks the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, constructed by the labor of mostly Chinese immigrants; and WHEREAS, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has announced this year’s theme as “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” focusing on advancing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders in government; and
WHEREAS, generations of AAPI’s of all backgrounds have been inspirational examples of leaders and trailblazers and have a longstanding history of making esteemed, significant, cultural, economic and community contributions across California; and
WHEREAS, AAPI’s are one the fastest growing ethnic populations in the nation, as more than one million Asian Pacific Americans (APA) reside in the Bay Area; and WHEREAS, a vast diversity of languages, religions, and cultural traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is continuously fostered to strengthen the fabric of American society; and WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month to celebrate and pay tribute to the contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans to American history, society and culture; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax that this month of May Two Thousand Twenty-Three is
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
in the Town of Fairfax, and everyone is encouraged to commemorate this important occasion in recognition of the numerous contributions made by the AAPI communities locally, nationally, and globally;
AND BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax supports and commends the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Signed and dated this 3rd day of May 2023,
________________________________
Chance Cutrano, Mayor of Fairfax
AGENDA ITEM #6