REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AANHPI) Month began in 1977, when Congress proposed bills for the creation of a month to celebrate the contributions and history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States. In 1992 Congress passed a law designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
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.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes and commends the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Americans throughout the community. It is a celebration of a broad group of people. Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter
Island).
The 2025 theme is "A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience". This theme highlights the contributions of AANHPI leaders who have shaped the path for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.
DISCUSSION
At the May 13, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council will proclaim May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and recognize the AAPI community.
Representatives Diana Ding and Joel Wong from the non-profit organization, Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM), will be present to accept the proclamation.
SVCM has produced thousands of creative film and digital media projects for over a decade and proudly celebrates their diverse culture through hundreds of events including Asian American Stories.
Asian American Stories is an annual video contest aimed at celebrating the diversity and experiences of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The mission of Asian American Stories is to empower and unify AAPI and ethnic leaders by using media and communication to bridge the gap between AAPI and other communities across the United States.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and 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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month