RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 6, 2021
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honoring Asian American women elected officials
Body
WHEREAS, on March 28, 1979 President Jimmy Carter issued Presidential Proclamation 4650 designating the week beginning May 4, 1979 as Asian and Pacific American Heritage week, highlighting the dynamic role that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in our society with contributions in the field of science, arts, industry, government, and commerce; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 1991 Public Law 102-42 was passed as a Joint Resolution of the United States Congress proclaiming May 1991 and May 1992 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. This Joint Resolution recognized May 7, 1843 as the date when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States and May 10, 1869 as the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States which could not have been accomplished without the valued dedication of Chinese innovators; and
WHEREAS, on October 23, 1992, Public Law 102-450 was passed designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. With the passage of this Law, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, also known as Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, became a permanent symbol of the appreciation and gratitude of the United States towards Asian and Pacific Islander Americans; and
WHEREAS, the Asian and Pacific Islander American populace represents many rich and diverse nations and ethnicities with unique languages, cultures, and experiences. This population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Illinois with immeasurable influence in social, economic, and democratic institutions which increase the prosperity of the Greater Chicago Area; and
WHEREAS, the Asian and Pacific Islander American community is an important river community that has constructed various projects which highlight the importance of our relationship with water including the Ping Tom Memorial Park (Park). Designed by Chinatown residents, the Park offers an athletic field, walking paths by the river, a boat house, and a pagoda-style pavilion; and
WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that violence against people of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry has been increasing in recent years. This is in large part the result of fabrication and distortion concerning both the complex history of Asian migration, including discrimination and prejudice, and the fundamental role of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) acknowledges the importance of people of Asian and Pacific Islander American lineage. As such, the District aspires to expand our community outreach to be more inclusive of this demographic to ensure improved communication, such as translation of literature into Chinese; and
WHEREAS, the theme of this year’s District celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month is “Seeds of Solidarity”. This theme represents the continuation of the District’s support of and partnership with Asian and Pacific Islander American communities working together to develop strategies and identify opportunities for growth and advancement toward improving the lives of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in correlation with protecting our water environment; and
WHEREAS, the District hereby recognizes the contributions of United States Senator Tammy Duckworth who served in the Reserve Forces for twenty-three years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2014. Senator Duckworth received the Purple Heart for her exemplary service in the Iraq War, where her helicopter was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. Senator Duckworth was the first Asian American from Illinois elected to the United States Congress, first as a Representative in the House and then in 2017 as Senator, a position in which she continues to serve. Senator Duckworth has made it her mission to advocate for medical assistance, housing, job training, and suicide prevention for Veterans, as well as advocating for an Anti-Asian Hate Crime Bill; and
WHEREAS, the District hereby recognizes the contributions of Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz. Representative Gong-Gershowitz assumed office in 2019 representing the 17th District. She is the co-chair of the Illinois Unaccompanied Children’s Task Force which provides pro bono guardians ad litem to children as they are processed through the immigration system. Representative Gong-Gershowitz is an immigration lawyer in the Illinois House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, the District hereby recognizes the contributions of Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, the first Asian American to be elected to the Illinois General Assembly representing the 2nd District. Representative Mah is a vigorous advocate for the passage of legislation that promotes immigrant rights, workers rights, voting rights, language access, and health care; and
WHEREAS, the District hereby recognizes the contributions of Illinois State Representative Denyse Wang Stoneback. Representative Stoneback is an advocate for fair wages, transparency in government, and gun violence prevention. She took office in the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 17th District in 2021; and
WHEREAS, the District hereby recognizes the contributions of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Commissioner Josina Wing Morita, the first Asian American elected as a commissioner to the District and the first Asian American elected to a countywide board in Cook County. Commissioner Morita promotes representation for the vast and ever-growing Asian communities and advocates for equity, advancement, and education on issues for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, recognize the rich and diverse culture of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and honor Asian American women elected officials; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to United States Senator Tammy Duckworth, Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Illinois State Representative Denyse Wang Stoneback, and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Josina Wing Morita.
Dated: May 6, 2021