2024-2217 FILE RESOLUTION NO. 2024-2217
A resolution proclaiming May 2024 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month" in
the City of Janesville.
WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made many 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
the 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 are shaped by churches and residents who
sponsored Cambodian and Lao refugees, supporting them in becoming integral members
of the Janesville community; and
WHEREAS, the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community is fast-growing and
diverse, 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.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMON COUNCIL of the City of
Janesville recognizes May 2024 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month" to
encourage 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: April 22, 2024 Motion by: Neeno
Second by: Williams
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Burdick X
Jackson X
Kevin M. Lahner, City Manager Marshick X
Miller X
Neeno X
ATTEST:
Squire X
f Williams X
Lorena Rae Stottler, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President
Prepared by: City Manager's Office