2646873v9 / Attorney Initials - updated 1/9/2022
1 APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
_______________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBERS JANANI
RAMACHANDRAN AND ROWENA BROWN
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 2025 AS ASIAN AMERICAN ,
NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AA NHPI) HERITAGE
MONTH IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND AND HONORING ASIAN
AMERICANS WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CULTURE AND VIBRANCY
OF OAKLAND
WHEREAS, Asian Americans make up a diverse group of communities from the entire Asian continent, including East, Southeast and South Asia, the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, and Native Hawaiians – together these groups make up about 7 percent of the total U.S. population; and
WHEREAS, AANHPI people have had a long history in the United States, from Filipinos escaping forced labor and enslavement in the 16th century, to migrating to the West Coast to work in gold mines and factories during the California Gold Rush of the 1850’s; to refugees from Southeast Asia coming to the United States to escape war, violence, and economic hardship during the 1970’s; and
WHEREAS, AANHPI month is celebrated during the month of May and was designated starting in 1978 to both commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built primarily by Chinese immigrant workers; and
WHEREAS, since 1991, communities across the United States have celebrated the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islander American communities in the month of May; and
WHEREAS, in the history of the United States, Asian Americans have suffered mistreatment, xenophobia, and racism, despite their deep history working to make this country better, from the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, to the Japanese internment camps during World War II, to an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, in response to anti -Asian violence, advocacy organizations and grassroots coalitions have responded, spearheading efforts to prevent discrimination and harassment and work toward justice and equity in the AANHPI community in California and beyond; and
WHEREAS, today we honor Asian American leaders who have positively impacted Oakland’s economy, culture, and vibrancy with their dedication and resilience; and
WHEREAS, District 1 Councilmember Zac Unger honors Kevin Nuuhiwa, the proud son of Mr. and Mrs. James and Sharon Nuuhiwa. His father, Mr. James Nuuhiwa, rose from humble beginnings and came to California from Hawaii in 1958. His descendants are extremely proud of their Hawaiian heritage, and they belong to a group known as the 100 percenters—a reflection of their deep cultural roots and strong sense of identity. Rooted in cultural heritage and strong values passed down from his parents, Kevin went on to dedicate over 40 years of his life to serving as a Fire Fighter, serving with bravery, honor, and distinction. He retired as a respected Fire Captain after holding that title for 21 years. Kevin’s leadership extended beyond city boundaries—he was a founding member of both FEMA Urban Search and Rescue and the Rescue Company at Station
1. His courage and dedication were exemplified most notably when he responded to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Kevin Nuuhiwa’s service stands as a powerful legacy of commitment, sacrifice, and leadership within the City of Oakland and beyond; and
WHEREAS, District 2 Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan honors Chien Nguyen. Chien Nguyen is a proud Vietnamese-American community leader, born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley and Oakland public housing. As the Clinton Park Site Director for Trybe, Chien has emerged as a key organizer in revitalizing Oakland’s Little Saigon. He works to create a future in which collective efforts from community organizations, schools, small businesses, local government, residents, and youth programs transform Little Saigon into a safe, vibrant, and economically thriving neighborhood - one where young people grow with a sense of joyful belonging, guidance and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife honors world champion figure skater Alysa Liu. Alysa started skating at age 5 when her father brought her to the Oakland Ice Center to participate in the Learn to Skate program and started private lessons soon after. Alysa became the youngest-ever U.S. women's national champion when she won her first title at age 13. At age 14, she became the youngest skater to win two senior national titles. In addition, Alysa is the first woman to win two consecutive U.S. titles. An accomplished jumper, Alysa was the first American junior women's singles skater to successfully complete a triple Axel in international competition, and also the first American woman to land a quadruple jump. The Oakland Ice Center in District 3 serves as Alysa’s home rink and it is an honor to have a world-class athlete in this space; and
WHEREAS, District 4 Councilmember Janani Ramachandran honors the Alliance of South Asians Taking Action (ASATA) - a volunteer-based grassroots organization that works to educate and empower the South Asians in the Bay Area to end oppression, racism, and exploitation within and against the South Asian community. ASATA has worked in coalition with other South Asian and People of Color groups to speak out for peace and against war and has been active in several recent campaigns in Oakland, including calling for peace in Palestine. We honor ASATA’s presence in Oakland and the broader Bay Area as a key voice in ending nationalism and supremacist policies both in the U.S. and in our countries of origin; and
WHEREAS, District 5 Councilmember Noel Gallo honors Kimi Kean. Kimi is a lifelong Oakland resident and nationally recognized education leader with over 25 years of experience in public education, advocacy, and systems change. She is the CEO and Co -Founder of Families in Action for Quality Education, a coalition of 39 Bay Area public schools that empowers parents, youth, and educators to influence education policy and improve school quality. A former teacher, principal, and Bay Area Superintendent of Aspire Public S chools, Kimi has led efforts that significantly boosted student achievement, advanced racial equity, and increased the representation of educators of color. She holds a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University; and
WHEREAS, District 6 Councilmember Kevin Jenkins honors Phong La, the elected Assessor of Alameda County, who assumed office in 2019. Born in Vietnam, Phong arrived in the U.S. as a refugee at age two and grew up in Union City. He earned a Bachelor of Science from UC Davis and a Juris Doctor from UC Hastings Co llege of the Law. Before being elected, Phong worked as a real estate attorney, small business owner, and adjunct professor. Since taking office, Phong has been a dedicated advocate for the Asian Ameri can and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Alameda County. His leadership is informed by his personal experiences as an immigrant and his professional background in law and public service. Under his leadership, the Assessor's Office has implemented ini tiatives to enhance customer service and office efficiency, benefiting all residents, including the AAPI community; and
WHEREAS, District 7 Councilmember Ken Houston honors Hans Niusulu , also known as ‘Chino’ in the community, a Samoan/Japanese American who has been an Oakland resident for over 47 years. He is closely associated with the Beautification Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Oakland, California. Through this organization, Chino h as been able to share his passionate mission to help make the City of Oakland a safer and cleaner place for the community he loves so deeply. Chino experienced homelessness for over six years before becoming an MCS- 1 Micro Cleaning Sanitization expert for the Beautification Council. He advanced rapidly, eventually becoming the face of the organization and leading projects at the city, county, and state levels across Alameda County. This opportunity not only provided him with employment but also allowed him to reconnect with his family. Hans ‘Chino’ Niusulu is not only an inspiration, but he also gives hope and motivation to the unhoused and justice -impacted individuals, showing them that change and opportunity are possible; and
WHEREAS, At-Large Councilmember Rowena Brown honors Danny Wan, the former District 2 Councilmember and Executive Director of the Port of Oakland. During his decades of service to Oakland and the Port; which stewards Oakland’s airport, seaport, and miles of waterfront; Mr. Wan strengthened our city’s economy while always centering community wellbeing. Mr. Wan accelerated the Port as an economic engine for Oakland, and courageously led in making the Port as sustainable and environmentally just as possible. We applaud you for supporting our youth, championing language access, fighting for livable wages, securing funding for critical projects, and so much more that you’ve accomplished over your illustrious career; and
WHEREAS, in spite of President Donald Trump eliminating federal recognition of AANHPI month, revoking DEI initiatives across the nation, and officially renouncing all efforts to honor the contributions of diverse communities across our country, Oakland continues to stand committed to celebrating our diverse ethnic populations and lifting up the significant contributions of Asian Americans to our city; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the City of Oakland and Honoring Asian Americans who contribute to the culture and vibrancy of Oakland.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, WANG,
AND PRESIDENT JENKINS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
3417537/LL