Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 2024, as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
end
Department
City Manager's Office (CMO)
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. Congress later voted to expand it from a week-long celebration to that of a month-long celebration. Rockville has become increasingly diverse, and its Asian Pacific American community is one of its largest ethnic groups in the city.
First, it’s important to understand that “Asian” is a very complex and broad term that encompasses many countries and regions, cultures and subcultures, norms, diets, languages, and more. Describing things as “Asian” without more specificity can be offensive. Using a broad term, brushes aside the unique identities and histories of specific cultures.
The term “Asian American” is also unique to the United States. Read more about the term “Asian American” in this Vox article <https://www.vox.com/identities/22380197/asian-american-pacific-islander-aapi-heritage-anti-asian-hate-attacks>: “The inadequacy of the term ‘Asian American.‘” Remember - this month is specifically about celebrating Asian American history and achievements, rather than Asian history and culture in general.
Be sure to check out www.Asianpacificheritage.gov <http://www.Asianpacificheritage.gov> to learn more.
While there can be some nuance to learning the right terminology, AAPI History Month is a perfect time to delve in and learn!
Annually, the Asian Pacific American Task Force has encouraged the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May by incorporating the culture into the Hometown Holidays and Lunar Year celebrations through traditional performances, games, displays and activities.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council offer this proclamation annually.