Proclaim May 2023 to be Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Whereas, Portland is home to more than 56,000 members of the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander community who trace their roots to the Pacific Islands and Asia; and
Whereas, Filipinos make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, with over 23,000 residing in the Portland Metro Region; and
Whereas, the Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Southeast, South, and East Asian American communities are proud of their diversity and draw strength from their rich cultures and traditions; and
Whereas, Portland’s Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders come from a complex and diverse mix of many languages, ethnicities, and faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and Sikhism; and
Whereas, in 2021, reported hate crimes in the U.S. rose more than 11%, with Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Sikhs experiencing some of the highest increases of targeted hate; and
Whereas, City Council declared the City of Portland a Welcoming City, a Sanctuary City, and an Inclusive City for all in a resolution adopted by Council on March 2nd, 2017; and
Whereas, Portland City Council believes that all immigrants and refugees are critical additions to the social and economic wellbeing of the city; and
Whereas, in 2020, Portland City Council adopted Anti-racism and Equity as two of its Core Values; and
Whereas, elected officials and community leaders from our region gathered on May 6th to support Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in the Oregon Rises Above Hate coalition celebration; and
Whereas, May 18th is Asian American and Pacific Islander Day Against Bullying and Hate, where Act to Change rallies communities against hate by uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander youth voices and equipping our youth to become advocates against bullying; and
Whereas, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity for all individuals and organizations to recognize their contributions, development, and defense for our country; as well as the cultural, civic, and economic life of Portland for over 150 years; and
Whereas, Portland, through dialogue with representatives from Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, continues to address the needs and concerns of its community members and remains committed to seeking solutions to problems such as prejudice, discrimination, and violence.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 2023, to be
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.