SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. today issued a proclamation declaring May 2011, as “Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month” in the State of California.
The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California is home to an incredibly diverse group of people, including those with origins in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Pacific Islands.
168 years ago this month the first Japanese immigrants arrived to the United States and 142 years ago Chinese workers helped to complete the transcontinental railroad. Despite facing tremendous prejudice and discrimination, Asian Pacific Islander Americans persevered and have played a crucial part in moving our state forward.
These Asian Pacific Islanders enrich California through their entrepreneurship, their excellence in education and their dedication to community service. As they have grown in population and prominence, their values and traditions have strengthened California and contributed to our continued well-being and prosperity.
I encourage all Californians to discover the rich history and culture of Asian and Pacific Islanders, and to appreciate the diversity that makes California great.
NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2011, as “Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 9th day of May 2011.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State