HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - Proclamation - Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage - 5/4/2021)STA MESA, CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, Asian American Pacific Islanders Heritage Month elevates the rich and vibrant heritage and contributions of Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society and culture; and
WHEREAS, since 1978, May has been a dedicated time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and in 1992,
Congress officially designated the month of Mayas Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebratingthe significant
role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in the creation of a dynamic American society with their contributions
to the arts, commerce, government and sciences; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is home to the third -largest Asian American population nationwide, there are nearly 600,000 Asian
Americans and over 19,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders county wide and in Costa Mesa 9.89`yO of Costa Means
identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander; and
WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Orange County are starting businesses and creating jobs, there are over
63,000 Asian American owned businesses county wide and over 96,000 workers in Orange County who are employed by an
Asian American — owned business, generating over $20 billion in revenue; and
WHEREAS, this year's 2021 Asian American and Pacific Islander Month theme is: Advancing Leaders Through Purpose- Driven
Service, when purpose -driven service and passion are combined with a positive culture of intimacy and core organizational
values, the exponential impact is powerful for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa is committed to recognizing the achievements of the Asian American and Pacific Islander
business entrepreneurs and community educators in our City, such as longtime Costa Mesa resident Kelani Silk, Founder and
Executive Director of Marshallese Youth of Orange County; creators and owners of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Wing Lam and Mingo
Lee, and the late Katumasa "Roy" Sakioka, who was known as modest Costa Mesa farmer and developer, we acknowledge
and celebrate their contributions to our City's economic and social institutions.
WHEREAS, since the pandemic began, the City of Costa condemns the violence and hatred directed at the Asian American
and Pacific Islander communities, Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage month is a time to reflect, recognize and
celebrate the essential contributions, sacrifices and accomplishments that Asian American and Pacific Islanders have made
in our nation's history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim May 2021 as Asian American Pacific
Islander Heritage Month in the City of Costa Mesa, and I urge all residents in our City to join me in this special observance.
DATED this 20t' doVof April, 2021.
John SI(eW ns, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa