REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of May 2026 as 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 2026 theme is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together." This theme emphasizes leveraging collective strength, fostering collaboration, and investing in future AANHPI leaders.
DISCUSSION
At the May 5, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council will proclaim May 2026 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor and recognize the AAPI community.
Representatives from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community will be present to accept the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken...
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