Subject:
Title
Proclamation in Honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
Body
Department: Legislation
Presenter(s): James Everett, DDEI Manager
Sara Loflin, Mayor Pro Tem (sponsor)
Time Estimate: 5 minutes
End
Summary and Background of Subject Matter:
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI and formerly known as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month) celebrates the achievements, culture, lives, and heritage of people with backgrounds from Southern, Southeastern, Central, and Western Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific and Hawaiian Islands. The acronym has recently expanded to AANHPI to include Native Hawaiians.
The first commemoration started through Congressional action in 1977 as a proclamation for the first 10 days of May. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese person to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, honoring the contributions of over 11,000 Chinese workers. The final resolution was passed in 1978 and signed by President Jimmy Carter. Subsequent presidents proclaimed Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1990 when Congress moved to expand the proclamation's observance to all of May. Two years later, AANHPI Heritage Month became an annual designation that continues to this day.
Every year, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) chooses a theme for AANHPI Heritage Month. The theme for 2024 is "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation." This theme is the culmination of the 2021-2024 series highlighting our nation's efforts in "Advancing Leaders". This year's theme honors the visionaries and trailblazes who shaped AANHPI history and continue to influence our future. Additional information can be found in FAPAC's press release.
Council Priority(s) Addressed:
* Engaged and Diverse Community
* Effective Governance
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