April 26, 2021

Whereas: The City of Roseville is committed to recognizing and honoring the contributions of all members of our community; and

Whereas: In 1977, Rep Frank Horton of New York introduced House Joint Resolution 540 to proclaim the first ten days in May as Pacific/Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. This first legislation did not pass; and

Whereas: In 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month; and

Whereas: The Month of May was selected to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843 and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of those who built the transcontinental railroad east from California were Chinese immigrants; and

Whereas: Japanese American troops fought for freedom from tyranny abroad in World War II while their families here at home were interned simply because of their Japanese ancestry­ despite the majority being American-born U.S. Citizens ; and

Whereas: In 1965 , the Immigration and Nationality Act opened new doors of opportunity to more Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants; and

Whereas: The end of the Vietnam War brought new Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hmong and Laotian communities to the United States of America; and

Whereas: There are over 20 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States with over 285,000 of them calling Minnesota home; and

Whereas: The city of Roseville is also home to many recent immigrants from Nepal, Burma, and Thailand, including Karen people, who bring their rich cultural heritage and traditions to the community; and

Whereas: A growing number of Roseville residents are of Asian and Pacific Island descent , who contribute to the vibrant community of Roseville as business owners, teachers , scientists, artists and through their rich cultures; and
 
Whereas: Despite generations of living and contributing to the fabric of American society, many Asian and Pacific Islanders continue to be treated as not belonging and face persistent racism, including barriers to equitable access to education, employment, and healthcare; and

Whereas: Since 9/11, South Asian Americans, especially those who are Muslim, Hindu or Sikh-too often face senseless violence and harassment due to the color of their skin or the
tenets of their faith; and more recently since the pandemic, Asians in general, particularly women and the elderly, have faced anti-Asian violence; and

Whereas: The City of Roseville invites all members of the Roseville Community to renew their commitment to collectively building a better Roseville, ensuring racial equality, understanding and justice and to participate in activities designed to advance the cause of freedom and equality for all of our residents.

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that the City Council hereby declares May 2021 to be Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the City of Roseville, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, U.S.A.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Roseville be affixed this 26th day of April, 2021.

Mayor Daniel J. Roe

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2021 City Proclamations

January

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month
Optimist Day

February

Black History Month

March

Women's History Month

April

Arbor Day
Day of Remembrance
Fair Housing Month

May

Asian Pacific Islander Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Older Adults Month
National Police Officers' Memorial Day and National Police Week

June

LGBTQQIA+ Pride Week

July

Parks and Recreation Month

September

Constitution Week
Kiwanis Peanut Day

September-October

Hispanic Heritage Month

November

Native American Month