Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond
May 27, 2025
Recognizing May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond proudly recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of AANHPI communities to our city and nation; and
WHEREAS, AANHPI individuals and communities have played a vital role in shaping Richmond’s history, culture, and progress, contributing significantly to the economic, social, and civic development of our city; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond City Council is proud to honor the following AANHPI individuals and organizations whose work and legacy have shaped Richmond’s cultural, social, and civic life:
WHEREAS, Flora Ninomiya, a Richmond-born Japanese American who was incarcerated during World War II, has become a tireless advocate for education and remembrance, preserving the legacy of Japanese American nurseries and uplifting the story of resilience and justice; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mona Afary, founder of the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI), has created a transformative, trauma-informed model of care that supports over 1,200 immigrant and refugee individuals annually through healing, advocacy, and leadership development; and
WHEREAS, Susun Kim, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center, has led critical work in supporting survivors of violence and building trauma-informed, culturally competent systems of care that serve Richmond’s diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Ali Saidi, a leader in the Afghan American community, has advanced immigrant empowerment, youth education, and intercultural understanding through decades of dedicated civic and community service; and
WHEREAS, Lao Family Community Development, Inc., founded in Richmond in 1980, serves more than 35,000 people annually with culturally responsive services in housing, employment, health, and reentry—helping thousands of Richmond residents achieve stability and success; and
WHEREAS, the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) empowers Asian immigrant and refugee communities to advance environmental justice and climate resilience, championing community health and organizing for a sustainable future; and
WHEREAS, the Yemeni American Association – Bay Area, and the broader Yemeni American community, have uplifted Richmond through small business development, youth empowerment, public health programs, and civic leadership—all driven by deep-rooted community commitment; and
WHEREAS, Wat Lao Rattanaram Temple, founded by Lao refugees and now located in Richmond, continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural anchor for Buddhists from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and across the East Bay, offering religious services, education, and cross-cultural understanding; and
WHEREAS, Chinese railroad workers, though long overlooked, played a critical role in constructing the Transcontinental Railroad and transforming Richmond into an industrial hub, laying the foundation for its economic growth and multicultural identity;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Eduardo Martinez, Mayor of the City of Richmond, on behalf of the Richmond City Council, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Richmond, and extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals and organizations named above for their enduring contributions to our community.
Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda
City of Richmond
May 27, 2025
Councilmember Soheila Bana
City of Richmond
May 27, 2025