WHEREAS, Asian Americans across the United States can trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands, each with unique histories, cultures and languages; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina has been home to members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities since the mid-19th century, when the first Chinese immigrants began to settle in the state; and

WHEREAS, the month of May was selected as a way to honor the immigration of the first Japanese residents to the United States in 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, which was constructed by predominately Chinese immigrants; and

WHEREAS, the efforts and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can be seen across many aspects of society, including education, business, and science, playing a pivotal role in North Carolina's rich history; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, a joint resolution was passed by the U.S. Congress directing the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, the U.S. Congress passed a law permanently designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough recognizes the paramount importance of actively promoting the understanding of, fostering appreciation for, and raising awareness of the rich and diverse cultures and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders among its residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Bell, mayor of the Town of Hillsborough, do hereby proclaim the month of May as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in the Town of Hillsborough.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused this seal of the Town of Hillsborough to be affixed this 13th day of May in the year 2024. 

Mark Bell, Mayor