HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 Proclamation - Asian American and Pacific IslandersProclamation
Whereas, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched the history, society and culture of the United
States of America including dying and risking their lives building the first Transcontinental Railroad; initiating
United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898), the landmark decision that has given birthright citizenship
to the children of countless immigrants to the United States from all over the globe for over 120 years; and
sacrificing their lives in defense of our country; and
Whereas, In recognition of the significant contributions by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the
United States of America, then President Jimmy Carter signed a bill into law in 1978 proclaiming the first ten
days of May 1979 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Week; and
Whereas, Then President George H.W. Bush signed a bill into law in 1990 extending the week-long
celebration to an entire month resulting in the official designation of the month of May as Asian American and
Pacific Islander American Heritage Month beginning in 1992 and requesting that future Presidents issue a
proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month of May with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities; and
Whereas, In continuation of the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders’ commitment to service to
our country, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council has selected its 2024 theme for Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month to be Advancing Leaders Through Innovation; and
Whereas, The efforts, resilience, and contributions of the culturally and linguistically diverse Asian
American and Pacific Islander’ communities can be seen in every aspect of society in the United States such as
education, military, politics, health care, economics, and science; and
Whereas, The City of Ocoee recognizes the importance of inclusion and diversity in building a brighter
future for all our residents including our current, and future, Asian American and Pacific Islander’ citizens; and
Whereas, The City of Ocoee is proud to have a diverse community that includes an Asian American and
Pacific Islander population of over 3,533 (7.5%).
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the City Commission of the City of Ocoee, does hereby proclaim the
month of May 2024 as
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
in the City of Ocoee and encourage all citizens of Ocoee to learn more about, and pay tribute to, the significant
contributions of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to assist in furthering our efforts for
an inclusive and equitable city for all our citizenry.
IN WITNESS WHEROF, I hereunto have
Set my hand and caused the Seal of the
City of Ocoee, Florida to be affixed this
7th day of May, 2024.
Rusty Johnson, Mayor