HomeMy WebLinkAboutAsian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Month - May 2023Proclamation
“Asian American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month”
May 1 – May 31, 2023
WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions and achievements of Americans of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Island descent; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, Asian Pacific Heritage Week was first celebrated in 1979 and was extended into AAPI Heritage Month in 1992; and
WHEREAS, the month of May was chosen as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese citizen, Nakahama Manjiro, to the United States on May 7, 1843, but also the anniversary of the May 10, 1869, completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad, built in-part with the back-breaking labor of nearly 20,000 Chinese immigrants; and
WHEREAS, locally, contributions of Asian families in the railroad system played a critical role in Pasco’s history and economy; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of our Asian and Pacific Islander residents which enrich our history, society and culture through languages and religions and, make our community more vibrant, prosperous, and secure; and
WHEREAS, during AAPI Heritage Month we acknowledge the additional determination, hard work, and perseverance AAPI put forth to be heard and seen; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity” and through providing advancement opportunities, organizations can reduce the barriers to professional progression and consequently reduce employee turnover and increase satisfaction; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Blanche Barajas, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, do hereby proclaim May 1 through May 31, 2023, as
"Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month".
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Pasco, State of
Washington, to be affixed this 1st day of May 2023.
Blanche Barajas, Mayor
City of Pasco