SCR 93, Pan. Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.
This measure would recognize May 2016 as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.
WHEREAS, The earliest Asian Americans immigrated to the United States in the 1800s; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have played a critical role in the social, economic, and political development of California throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, The 5.5 million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in California are one of the fastest growing ethnic populations in the state; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans represent over 15.5 percent of California’s population and represent ancestries that include, but are not limited to, Asian Indian, Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian, Chamorro, Chinese, Taiwanese, Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian, Iu-Mien, Iwo Jiman, Guamanian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Maldivian, Mongolian, Nepalese, Native Hawaiian, Vietnamese, Okinawan, Pakistani, Samoan, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tongan, and other Pacific Islander; and
WHEREAS, The California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs was established in 2004 and is charged with advising the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies on issues relating to the social and economic development, rights, and interests of the Asian and Pacific Islander American communities; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander American entrepreneurs have led many of California’s businesses to the pinnacle of their respective industries; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander American communities throughout California actively promote their cultural heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans will continue to be an important part of California’s diverse tapestry of cultures and ideas; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have contributed greatly to California’s economic success, rural growth, and urban development; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans continue to cultivate and advance the fields of the arts and humanities, business, education, information technology, law, public safety, science, sports, and the environment; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander American refugees have revitalized many of California’s communities, while bringing in new ideas and economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander American immigrants and refugees had to overcome tremendous odds and cultural barriers to establish a better life for their families; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have a proud legacy of service and dedication to the state and to the United States; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature commends Asian and Pacific Islander Americans for their notable accomplishments and outstanding service to the state, and recognizes the month of May 2016 as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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