REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim May 2022 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is recognized each May to celebrate and pay tribute to the contributions generations of Asian/Pacific Americans have made to our nation’s history, society and culture. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
The origin of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month dates to the 95th Congress (1977-1978) when five joint resolutions were introduced proposing that a week in May be designated to commemorate the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
On March 28, 1979, President Carter issued Proclamation 4650, the first presidential proclamation, for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In this proclamation, President Carter spoke of the significant role Asian/Pacific Americans played in the creation of a dynamic and pluralistic American society with their contributions to the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce.
On May 7, 1990, President George H.W. Bush issued Presidential Proclamation 6130 designating May 1990 as the first “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month,” and Congress permanently designated May of each year as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month” on October 23, 1992.
DISCUSSION
As a Special Order of Business on May 24, 2022, the Santa Clara City Council will proclaim the month of May 2022 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and recognize the AAPI community’s rich heritage which has shaped the history of the United States.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council; no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Melissa Lee, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Council
Approved by: Rajeev Batra, City Manager