Governor Proclaims Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

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, this session’s North Carolina General Assembly has the most Asian American and Pacific Islander lawmakers in its history, and Representatives Ya Liu and Maria Cervania are the first Asian American women elected to serve in the state legislature, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Devdutta Sangvai is the first Indian American cabinet member to serve under a North Carolina Governor; and

Whereas, North Carolina is among 10 states with a growing Asian population, with half of residents living in one of three counties, Mecklenburg, Wake, or Guilford; and

Whereas, throughout history, many Asian American and Pacific Islanders have faced adversity and yet, through their strength and persistence, have become leaders and trailblazers, and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina recognizes the importance of 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, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2025, as “Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this second day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.