25-2023

Whereas, Slavic and Eastern European Americans are one of Portland’s largest immigrant and refugee community, with over 150,000 people in the greater Portland area; and

Whereas, Slavic and Eastern European Portlanders can trace their ancestry to 15 countries of the former Soviet Union and 14 Eastern European countries, with unique languages, dialects, cultures, and histories; and

Whereas, the City of Portland has many Slavic and Eastern European employees and a Slavic Empowerment Team that works to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce; and

Whereas, the Slavic Empowerment Team shares culture, language, and art with City employees through celebrations, displays, performances; and

Whereas, the Slavic Empowerment Team collaborates with many diverse organizations in the greater Portland area; and

Whereas, The City of Portland strongly aligns with international concerns as to hostilities, loss of life, and suffering in regions such as Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Central Asia; and

Whereas, Portland is a welcoming, inclusive, and sanctuary city that celebrates its growing diversity; and

Whereas, the City of Portland is proud of its relationship with all members of the Slavic and Eastern European community and will continue supporting their professional and economic advancement;

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim the second week of January 2023 to be the

Slavic and Eastern European Heritage Week

in Portland and encourage all residents to celebrate this week.