RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 4, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honoring the Asian American Caucus
Body
WHEREAS, on March 28, 1979 President Jimmy Carter issued Presidential Proclamation 4650 designating the week beginning May 4, 1979 as Asian/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 (Golden Spike Day) 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 became a permanent symbol of the appreciation and gratitude of the United States towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islander 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 Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s theme for the 2023 celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity”. This theme is the third in the “Advancing Leaders” series; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago acknowledges the significance of people of Asian American and Pacific Islander lineage and recognizes organizations that are focused on community service, leadership, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American Caucus is an Illinois advocacy group that champions equity and serves as a vehicle for Asian Americans to share their concerns with the larger community. By engaging with elected representatives, the Asian American Caucus seeks to influence the way in which the Asian American community is received; 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 and honor the Asian American Caucus; 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 the Asian American Caucus.
Dated: May 4, 2023