HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2021-018-Asian american and Pacific Islander Heritage month Proclamation ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
WHEREAS , Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the
United States , growing four times the rate of the rest of the populations of the Country ; and
WHEREAS , the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, as one of the most culturally
and linguistically diverse groups in America, reminds us that although we all have distinct
backgrounds and origins , we are bound by a common purpose, by shared values and our shared
hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children; and
WHEREAS , the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has a long and deeply-rooted
legacy in the United States from the grueling and perilous working condition of thousands of
Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad to Japanese Americans troops fighting to defend
our freedom during World War II; and
WHEREAS , we also must remember that this Country carries the stain that while Japanese
Americans soldiers fought in World War II, their families at home were interned in camps by the
government simply based on their Japanese origin; and
WHEREAS , the Asian American and Pacific Islander community throughout this country ' s
history has faced harassment, senseless violence and discrimination, all of this has grown
exponentially over the past year due to negative stereotypes perpetrated about the pandemic , which
has led to a sharp rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and hate incidents ; and
WHEREAS , we honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, their rich heritage
and the enhancements they bring to this community through their culture and as artist, activist,
educators , elected officials , service men and women, business owners , friends and neighbors ;
NOW, THEREFORE , we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, do proclaim May 2021 as ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER
HERITAGE MONTH and commend this observance to all Orange County residents .
This the 4th day of May, 2 02 1.
. �
Renee Price , . Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
17
� z
Ott (Sato