Celebrating May of 2026, as "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, In 1978, a Joint Congressional Resolution established the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. These particular days were chosen because they coincide with the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants in May of 1843, and the contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad which was completed in May of 1869; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and in 2021, President Biden issued a Proclamation declaring May as "Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month"; and

WHEREAS, The number of Asian American residents in the United States was an estimated 24 million according to the 2020 census, with more than 54 percent holding a Bachelor's degree or higher level of education, and an estimated 581,2 Asian-owned employer firms. In addition, Asian Americans encompass more than one million actively serving personnel in the United States Military; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians have been serving honorably in the United States Military since the War of 1812; and

WHEREAS, The Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander workforce contribute across numerous fields including professional, scientific and technical services, as well as education, financial management, engineering, nursing, healthcare, medicine, social assistance, retail, construction, and repair and maintenance, and have paid billions in federal, state, and local taxes; and

WHEREAS, There have been connections between China and Rhode Island since the th Century, as highlighted in a recent exhibition entitled, "The Celestial City: Newport and China" at Rosecliff Mansion from September 2023 to February 2024, which revealed that people of Chinese heritage contributed to life in Newport, including immigrant entrepreneurs, suffragists, merchants, makers and sailors; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) have enriched the diversity, strength and vibrancy of our state through their culture, language, and religion, and it is fitting and vital to honor and acknowledge their invaluable contributions; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims May of 2026, as "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month" and urges all Rhode Islanders to learn more about the history and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the recipients of Senate Citations presented on May 19, 2026, to those who have helped promote AANHPI culture and history in Rhode Island.