Item Description:
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Declaring May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Hennepin County - offered by Commissioner Fernando
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WHEREAS, May has been nationally recognized as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month since 1992, and the month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants and mark the anniversary of the transcontinental railroad, where a majority of workers were Chinese laborers; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County is proud to celebrate the cultural traditions and languages among the more than 40 vibrant ethnic groups in our community from Asia, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands; and
WHEREAS, according to the state, there are more than 320,000 Asian Pacific Minnesotans and the US Census Bureau reports more than 7.5% are Hennepin County residents; and
WHEREAS, the AANHPI community has contributed to not only Hennepin County but to our state and country enriching our culture and society; and
WHEREAS, acts of hate and violence persist against AANHPI residents, Hennepin County will continue to stand with our AANHPI community condemning and denouncing all forms of hate; and
WHEREAS, inequities faced today by these communities stem from our Nation’s history of exclusion, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia against Asian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County recommits to creating an equitable community for AANHPI residents and recognizes that challenges persist as it relates to economic and health inequities and personal safety; and
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners proclaim May 2025, as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honors and celebrates the rich experiences shared by Asian American Pacific Islanders in the Hennepin County organization and in the community.
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval