HomeMy Public PortalAbout05102022 AAPI ProclamationAsian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
WHEREAS, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed nationally in
the month of May, 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 as the majority of workers who laid the tracks
were Chinese immigrants; and
WHEREAS, this recognition encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands of
Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia; and
WHEREAS, the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander population in Washington state numbers
more than 700,000 making them the second-largest and fastest-growing minority
population, and is representative of 48 Asian and Pacific Island nations; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of the population in Bothell identify as Asian and Pacific
Islander, composed of varied ethnicities, languages, and cultures that contribute to our
community’s progress, success, and vibrancy; and
WHEREAS, we must acknowledge and address a documented regional and nationwide
trend of increased discrimination, hate and violence against Asian Americans, exacerbated
by false narratives and xenophobia around the coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, the institutional racism that Asian and Pacific Islander communities face cannot
erase the resilience, strength, accomplishments, and joy of the people, now and
throughout history, making their character and legacies even more inspirational and
reinforcing that education, celebration, and public awareness is vital to our community
health.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mason Thompson, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as “Asian and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month” in the City of Bothell. The City makes this proclamation to honor
our Asian and Pacific Islander community and recognize the opportunity the celebration
provides to educate the public on the Asian Pacific role in American history and promote
the advancement of civil rights and equal opportunity for all.
Signed this 10th day of May, 2022
_____________________________
Mason Thompson, Mayor
Mason Thompson (May 10, 2022 12:33 PDT)
Mason Thompson