RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 19, 2022
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and honoring Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago
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, 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 Americans and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islander populace represents many rich and diverse nations and ethnicities with unique languages, cultures, and experiences. The history of Asian migration, including discrimination and prejudice, and the fundamental role of Asian Americans in the United States is complex and often misunderstood; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American community is an important river community that has constructed various projects which highlight the importance of mankind’s relationship with water. 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 2022 celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration”. This theme encourages the prioritization of collaboration as a method of improving communication and support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that violence against people of Asian ancestry has been increasing in recent years. One approach to combat this problem is education. With that goal, on July 9, 2021, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History Act (TEAACH). This law requires a unit of Asian American history be taught in public elementary and high schools, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. In approving this initiative, Illinois became the first state to mandate that Asian American history be taught in public schools; and
WHEREAS, the TEAACH Act was first introduced by Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago (AAJC). Founded in 1992 as the Asian American Institute, AAJC is a non-profit organization focused on racial justice. After introducing the concept of the TEAACH Act, AAJC advocated vigorously for its passage, affirming the statement that Asian American history is American history; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) acknowledges the significance of people of Asian American and Pacific Islander lineage. The District recognizes organizations that are focused on community service, leadership, and advocacy; 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 abundant and variegated culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; 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 Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago.
Dated: May 19, 2022