Proclaim May 2024 to be Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Whereas, Portland is home to more than 58,000 community members who trace their roots to Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia; and
Whereas, Portland’s Asian American and Pacific Islander population increased by more than 30% between 2010 and 2020; 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 2023, reported hate crimes in the U.S. increased an average of 17% from the prior year, with Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Sikhs experiencing high percentages 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 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, 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 these communities’ contributions, development, and defense of 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 2024, to be
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In Portland and encourage all residents to celebrate and honor the cultures of Asia and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.