2017-1427 FILE RESOLUTION NO. 2017 - 1427
A resolution proclaiming May 2017 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month"
in the City of Janesville.
WHEREAS, on May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants came to the United States
and, on May 10, 1869, Golden Spike Day, the first transcontinental railroad in the United
States was completed with significant contributions from Chinese pioneers; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made indelible contributions to
the history of the United States that include, but are not limited to, serving honorably in
the Armed Forces, fighting for the United States in foreign wars, and advocating for civil
rights; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have endured hardships, including
unjust working conditions, prejudice, and discrimination in some of the darkest times in
our nation's history, including the Chinese Exclusion Act, naturalized citizenship
ineligibility, the Alien Land Law, anti-miscegenation laws, and Japanese internment; and
WHEREAS, the Cambodian and Lao refugees who first came to Janesville in the late
1970s and early 1980s sought to escape genocide in their homeland or to seek
protection after working for the United States government during the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Janesville's history and character is shaped by churches and residents
who sponsored Cambodian and Lao refugees, supporting them in becoming integral
members of the Janesville community; and
WHEREAS, the children and grandchildren of those refugees have made up the largest
part of the Asian population in the School District of Janesville in the years since; and
WHEREAS, Chinese language teachers and aides have helped make the School
District of Janesville's International Education Program a top international center of
learning; and
WHEREAS, the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community is a fast-growing,
diverse population comprised of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100
language dialects; and
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans continue to cultivate, advance, and
lead in the fields of art, fashion, business, technology, education, science, government,
law, humanities, medicine, sports, and entertainment; and
WHEREAS, federal law designates May as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month" in
Section 102 of Title 36 of the United States Code;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of
Janesville recognizes May 2017 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month" for the
purpose of encouraging residents of this City to increase their knowledge about the
history, achievements, and contributions made by Asian and Pacific Islander Americans
throughout our nation and the state of Wisconsin.
•
ADOPTED: May 8, 2017 Motion by: Gruber
Second by: Marklein
APPROVED Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
W/14JE
�''\- ConleyX
Farrell X
Martag, City Manager Gruber X
Jorgensen X
ATT Marklein X
��fr / Williams X
Wolfe X
David . Godek, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Tim Wellnitz,Assistant City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President
Prepared by: City Manager's Office