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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month (FAHM) in 1988, choosing October to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587; and
WHEREAS, with each new wave of immigrants the Filipino American community continues to grow and includes professional athletes, Olympic champions, stars of stage and screen, labor organizers, educators, caretakers, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs as well as members of the medical and engineering professions; and
WHEREAS, the Filipino American community is the third largest in the United States; and
WHEREAS, efforts should continue to promote the study of Filipino-American history and culture, as mandated in the mission statement of the Filipino American National Historical Society, because the roles of Filipino Americans and other people of color have been overlooked in the writing, teaching, and learning of United States history; and
WHEREAS, generations of Filipino Americans have lent their unique voices to the vibrant diversity of origins, cultures, and communities that make America what it is. Their legacy speaks to the extraordinary spirit of common purpose - of unity forged through the ideals that bind us together as people - that has always been central to our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans served their Country faithfully in the wars of the 20th century, and continue to protect America as servicemen and servicewomen around the world; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Government and the offices under the President employ the largest percentage of Asian Americans of any government in Illinois, with Filipino-Americans comprising a substantial portion of those employees; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the County’s essential front-line workers and healthcare system as nurses, doctors, other medical professionals, home health and domestic care workers, postal service workers and other essential industry workers; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois recognizes the civic engagement of Filipino Americans in the State of Illinois October 2020 national theme of, “History of Filipino American Activism” that specifically recognizes the history of Filipino American solidarity with other communities in their fights for equity and justice, including the Black Lives Matter Movement, American Indian Movement, Civil Rights and Voting Rights, Women’s Rights, LGBTQ Rights, and Environmental Justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby recognize October as Filipino American History Month and wish to celebrate the extraordinary ways Filipino Americans have contributed to our great County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceeding of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of the same be tendered the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, and Filipino American National Historical Society Greater Chicago Chapter, and to the Philippine American Cultural Foundation and in recognition of their unwavering dedication to promote Filipino American History Month.
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