Recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

WHEREAS, Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing segment of our population increasing from 1.5 million in 1970 to more then 10.5 million in 2000 in the United States and continue to grow in the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans bring to our society a rich cultural heritage representing many languages, ethnicity and religious tradition; and

WHEREAS, Whether in government, business, science, technology or the arts, Asian Americans have added immeasurably to the prosperity and vitality of our society; and

WHEREAS, As family members, citizens and involved members of the community, Asian Americans reinforce the values and ideals that are essential to the continued well being of our nation; and

WHEREAS, To honor the achievement of Asian Americans, the United States Congress, by Public Law 102-450, has designated the month of May each year as “ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH”; and

WHEREAS, Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia, representing the Asian American Community in our City and surroundings and Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia have been instrumental in the growth of Asian Americans in the great City of Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the month of May as “ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy if this resolution be presented to Nick Shenoy, Executive Director of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce as evidence of the sincere respect and sentiments of this legislative body.

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