PROCLAMATION OF THE GROVER BEACH CITY COUNCIL
DECLARING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
as
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH (FAHM)
WHEREAS, in 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California; and WHEREAS, the official 2026 theme for FAHM is Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories. This theme recognizes the contributions, struggles, and lived experiences of Filipino Americans who have been typically overlooked or excluded from traditional historical narratives.
WHEREAS, through the development of these three institutions – Filipino American Studies (FAS), Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), and Filipino American History Month (FAHM) – we recognize how Filipino Americans have initiated collective, grassroots efforts to ensure that their voices are heard, that their experiences are recognized, and their histories are told; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge these major historical markers in our community, and we encourage Filipino Americans and their allies across the country to collectively celebrate Filipino American History Month 2025 with these legacies in mind; and WHEREAS, in acknowledging the many legacies created by Filipino Americans across the United States, we encourage our community members to brainstorm ways to create a more sustainable impact for future generations of Filipino American communities too.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Grover Beach City Council encourages all citizens to learn about and celebrate the rich heritage of Filipino Americans and does herby officially proclaim that the month of October 2026, as Filipino American History Month.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Grover Beach to be affixed this 28th day of September 2026.
Kassi Dee, Mayor
Attest:
Wendi Sims, City Clerk