Title
Proclamation of May 2023 as Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
Memorandum
Proclamation
May as Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
WHEREAS, the month of May has been selected as Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month to acknowledge important historical events. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and on May 10, 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contribution from Chinese immigrants; and
WHEREAS, as of 2022, APIAs are the fastest growing population in the state of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, from 2010 to 2020, the APIA population increased in 70% of Michigan counties with Washtenaw County having one of the highest concentrations of growth amidst one of the already largest numbers of APIA residents in the state; andP
WHEREAS, the 2020 Census data reveals that APIA residents are the second largest racial group in Ann Arbor; and
WHEREAS, the APIA community expanded upon solidarity civil rights work with allies who share histories with Black, Indigenous, and People of color and in the aftermath of the 1988 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit, becoming the first federal hate crime litigated involving an APIA victim; and
WHEREAS, anti-APIA sentiment has increased exponentially in recent years and Ann Arbor City Council condemned hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts against Asians and Asian Americans in April 2022; and
WHEREAS, despite ongoing challenges, APIA community leaders in Ann Arbor have committed to community well-being, health, and justice for all through their personal and professional work. Dr. Ravi Vadlamudi, a Packard Health physician dedicated to the housing first model of care so that Avalon Housing residents receive compassionate medical care in their homes; Nancy Wang, the Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, has lead citizen-directed redistricting and citizen-driven democracy reforms; Nhu Do, Principal of Washtenaw Inter...
Click here for full text