Governor Proclaims Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2023

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

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

WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders alone account for approximately 6 percent of the American population; North Carolina’s population is approximately 3 percent Asian and Pacific Islander and continues to increase according to the 2020 Census; and

WHEREAS, the 2020 Census and 2021 American Community Survey additionally state 8 percent of Americans and 4 percent of North Carolinians identify as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and another race; and

WHEREAS, throughout history, Asian American and Pacific Islanders have faced adversity and used their strength and persistence to become leaders and trailblazers, including Kamala Harris, the first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States; 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 State of North Carolina is proud to commemorate May, 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2023, as “ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.