Governor Stein Proclaims Asian American, Native Hawaiian, And Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, And Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

2026

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, Native Hawaiian, 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, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander lawmakers in its history; Senator Jay Chaudhuri became the first Asian American elected to the General Assembly, and Representatives Ya Liu and Maria Cervania are first Asian American woman elected to serve in the state legislature; and 

Whereas, throughout history, many Asian American, Native Hawaiian, 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 histories of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders among its residents;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, And Pacific Islander Heritage Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

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 twenty-seventh day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.