ACR 128: Day of Solidarity with Ukraine.

WHEREAS, California is home to one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States, with more than 100,000 Ukrainian Americans residing across the state and significant populations in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay area, and Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, Ukrainian migration to California dates back to the late 19th century, and generations of Ukrainian immigrants have contributed to California’s cultural, educational, economic, artistic, and civic life; and

WHEREAS, According to United States Census Bureau data, Sacramento ranks first in the nation in the share of its population who are Ukrainian immigrants, and communities across California maintain strong linguistic, cultural, and familial ties to Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, triggering the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II, displacing millions, and causing widespread civilian casualties, trauma, separation of families, and destruction of homes, schools, and infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Ukrainian refugees, including children, youth, and families fleeing violence, have settled in California seeking safety, stability, and community support, contributing to the state’s diversity while facing challenges related to housing, education, mental health, and integration; and

WHEREAS, Across California, local governments, schools, universities, youth-led organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community groups have mobilized to support Ukrainians by providing housing assistance, humanitarian aid, mental health resources, legal support, cultural programming, and educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Youth in California have played a meaningful role in raising awareness about Ukraine’s history and current struggle through journalism, advocacy, cultural preservation, community organizing, and initiatives such as Slavic Voice 4 Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, February 24 marks both a solemn anniversary and a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for peace, democracy, self-determination, and human rights in Ukraine, and establishing this date as a Day of Solidarity allows Californians to honor those impacted, uplift Ukrainian voices, and reaffirm California’s commitment to global justice and human dignity; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing a statewide Day of Solidarity supports public education, fosters intercultural understanding, and strengthens connections between California’s diverse communities and the Ukrainian diaspora; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the State of California shall recognize February 24, 2026, as a Day of Solidarity with Ukraine, honoring the resilience of the Ukrainian people and acknowledging the ongoing impact of the war on youth, families, and communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the state encourages schools, districts, universities, and youth-serving organizations to collaborate with community partners to develop age-appropriate educational programming, classroom activities, and public learning opportunities on February 24, 2026, that explore themes of democracy, peacebuilding, human rights, and Ukrainian history and culture; and be it further

Resolved, That local governments, cultural institutions, and community organizations across California are encouraged to host cultural events, public awareness campaigns, solidarity gatherings, and youth-led initiatives on and around February 24, 2026, to uplift Ukrainian voices and foster cross-cultural understanding; and be it further

Resolved, That the State of California expresses its ongoing support for Ukrainian refugees, immigrant families, and youth, and encourages state agencies and community partners to provide resources that promote safety, stability, education, mental health support, and community integration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Governor is encouraged to raise the Ukrainian flag at the State Capitol Building at noon on February 24, 2026, and at noon on Ukrainian Independence Day, August 24, 2026, in recognition of Ukraine’s independence and resilience; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.