J 906: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 906 BY: Senator LIU MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Americans have contributed greatly to the wealth and cultural heritage of our great State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month; and WHEREAS, Asian Pacific Islander Americans comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their myriad achievements embody the American experience; and WHEREAS, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have fostered enterprise to include many of our Nation's most successful and dynamic businesses; these men and women are leaders in every aspect of American life such as government, industry, science, medicine, the arts, our Armed Forces, education, and sports; and WHEREAS, New York was among the first places in the United States to welcome Asian immigrants in the early 1800s, with sailors and traders from the China trade route playing a vital role in shaping the port culture of New York City-long recognized as a gateway for immigrants and a symbol of the American Dream; and WHEREAS, New York is home to Asian and Asian Pacific Islanders from all parts of the Asian continent and Pacific Islands, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, the Philippines, Samoa, Fiji, Guam, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan; and WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978, to commemorate Asian and Asian Pacific American Heritage Week during the first week of May; this date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad by Chinese laborers on May 10, 1869; and WHEREAS, In 1990, Congress voted to expand it from a week to a month-long celebration; in May 1992, the month of May was permanently designated as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month"; and WHEREAS, There are many notable and influential Asian Americans who inspire our next generation every day, some of whom include: Kalpana Chawla, first woman of Indian descent to go to space; Tammy Duckworth, first Thai American woman and first woman with a disability elected to Congress; Patsy Mink, esteemed Hawaiian Congresswoman and first woman of color to be elected to the House of Representatives; Sammy Lee, Korean American diver and the first man to win back-to-back gold medals at the Olympics; Chien-Shiung Wu, Chinese American "First Lady of Physics" whose groundbreaking work in nuclear physics reshaped modern science; and Kamala Harris, first woman, African American, and South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States; and WHEREAS, According to a 2022 report, State of Change: Asian Populations Transform New York, published by the Asian American Federation, Asian Americans make up over 10% of New York State's population; the Asian American population in New York State increased by 37.6% from 2010 to 2020; Asian residents make up 17.3% of New York City's population; the Asian population in New York State grew quickly outside of New York City, doubling in some areas; and WHEREAS, By recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, this great Empire State reaffirms its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity for all, thereby ensuring a bright future for all New Yorkers and Americans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.