P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed in the month of May to recognize the history and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, the month of May was chosen as AAPI Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese citizen to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, in which the majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants; and
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is proud to be the home to a large AAPI population that contributes greatly to the prosperity of the community and offers a diversity of cultures, languages, and religions; and
WHEREAS, while we celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we must also acknowledge a darker aspect of the AAPI experience in the United States, which includes painful stereotypes, and structural discrimination; and WHEREAS, we celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions the AAPI communities have made to our Nation's culture and the arts, law, science and technology, sports, and public service - including the courageous Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders served on the front lines during the pandemic as health care providers, first responders, teachers, Armed Forces, and other essential workers; and WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and commemorate the essential contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made to our Community and Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE K. CHEN, as Mayor of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 as
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER
HERITAGE MONTH
in the City of Torrance and call upon the residents of the City of Torrance to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Signed this 6th day of May 2025.
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Mayor George K. Chen
ATTEST:
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Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk