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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY AS ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of May commemorates the rich and diverse culture of Asian American Pacific Islanders, and the many contributions they have made to both Cook County, and our country as a whole; and
WHEREAS, on October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution designating the annual celebration of Asian/Pacific Heritage Week during the first 10 days of May; in May 1990, the holiday was further expanded when Congress designated May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843, many coming to the United States to work in transportation, mining, and other industries; and
WHEREAS, in 1869, laboring under very difficult conditions, Asian pioneers helped construct the transcontinental railroad, which vastly expanded economic growth and development across the country; and
WHEREAS, Asian Pacific Americans have made valuable contributions to the history and growth of Cook County and have achieved at a high level in a variety of disciplines, including medicine, government, business, education, law, science, technology, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is a diverse population, comprised of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects; and
WHEREAS, the history of Asian Pacific Americans in Cook County is inextricably tied to the story of our great county; and
WHEREAS, Asian Pacific Americans now comprise more than five percent of our state's population, and are the fastest growing demographic; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the County of Cook is proud to recognize the leadership and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout our history; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, along with the entire Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, in recognition of the contributions made to our economy and culture by Asian Pacific Americans, and in tribute to all Asian Pacific Americans who call Cook County home.
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