WHEREAS, Section 102 of Title 36, United States Code, officially designates May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and authorizes the President to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of United States to observe this special month; and
WHEREAS, The first Asian immigrants arrived in the United States from Japan on May 7, 1843. Today, the United States is home to nearly 19 million Asian Americans and 1.4 million Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, The Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has grown to over 300,000 citizens; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, between 2000 and 2010, both Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders grew significantly, increasing 43% and 32%, respectively; Philadelphia has nearly 110,000 Asian Americans and over 3,100 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders; and
WHEREAS, The Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia will hold its 8th Annual Festival on May 10, 2014 in Franklin Square Park where participants will experience Asian culture and many other facets of Philadelphia's vibrant and dynamic Asian Americans and Pacific Islander community; and
WHEREAS, All citizens of Philadelphia are encouraged to participate in learning about the rich heritage and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes May 2014 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate and commemorate the proud heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the City's culture, economy and the founding ideals of independence and democracy.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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