III.2. Proclamation Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; Casella
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2025-076
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Casey Casella, Assistant City Manager
Date: May 6, 2025
Subject: Proclamation Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month in Hopkins.
OVERVIEW
Each year the City of Hopkins celebrates the diversity in our community with
proclamations recognizing the historical and cultural months throughout the year.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month originated in 1978, when
Congress and the President passed a proclamation establishing the first week of May as
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of
the first Japanese immigrant to the U.S. in 1843 and the contributions of Chinese laborers
to the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. In 1990, the celebration was
expanded to the entire month, and in 1992, it was officially designated as Asian/Pacific
American Heritage Month. Today, it is recognized annually as a time to honor the rich
history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of AAPI communities across the
United States.
The City of Hopkins would like to proclaim May as Asian American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month to recognize and appreciate the city’s AAPI residents and employees and
to recommit to a spirit of community where all people feel safe and respected, and
diversity is celebrated.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation Recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month
Administration
A Proclamation Recognizing Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month
WHEREAS, the month of May is designated nationally as Asian American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, honoring the contributions and influence of Asian
Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and
achievements of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are an essential part of the vibrant
fabric of the United States, representing a wide diversity of cultures, languages, and
traditions from more than 30 countries and ethnic groups; and
WHEREAS, this month offers an opportunity to recognize the resilience, innovation, and
accomplishments of AAPI individuals while also acknowledging the historical challenges
and injustices they have faced; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we honor the legacy and contributions of our AAPI neighbors,
leaders, educators, artists, and advocates during this important month and throughout the
year; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim May
as a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 6th day of
May in the year 2025.
__________________________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor