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 Noah Tang
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, Noah Tang is a second-generation Chinese American teacher at Bloomington High School in Bloomington, IL. His courses in American and world history allow students to view history from all perspectives. Mr. Tang teaches students the skills of historical empathy and how to be lifelong learners, both of which are prerequisites for active participation in our democratic environment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tang is a graduate of Illinois State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. He also attended the University of Otago, where he earned a proficiency certificate in environmental history; 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 Noah Tang for his courage, leadership, and community involvement; 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 Noah Tang.
Dated: May 6, 2021