2024 House Resolution 255

Whereas, The state of Michigan is fortunate to be home to more than 420,000 residents of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) descent; and

Whereas, AANHPI comprise one of the fastest growing populations in both the state and the nation, with a thirty-nine percent population growth since 2012. In fact, AANHPI is the largest-growing population in Michigan according to the last U.S. Census; and

Whereas, The Asian and Pacific Island regions are tremendously diverse, with more than thirty countries, numerous languages, and multiple belief systems; and

Whereas, Residents of AANHPI descent in each generation, from the laborers who connected our coasts one and a half centuries ago to the patriots who fought overseas while their families were interned at home, to the entrepreneurs and engineers who help our economy thrive, and our healthcare professionals who have served to ensure public health during the pandemic, these patriotic Americans have enhanced our culture, quality of life, and economic vitality through leadership, commitments to knowledge, education, and advancement, and dedication to their communities; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan and the United States of America have been enriched by the contributions of AANHPI in all facets of life, including the arts, sciences, business, education, and philanthropy. Michigan has recognized the contributions AANHPI and other immigrants make to our economy with the establishment of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission and Office of Global Michigan; and

Whereas, The culture and contributions of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island residents will continue to grow in significance as more AANHPI choose to make Michigan their home and as our economy becomes increasingly intertwined with the economies throughout Asia and the Pacific; and

Whereas, AANHPI, through advocating issues of justice and equity, continue to break down the barriers of discrimination, indifference, and intolerance, thereby opening doors for all AANHPI we must also recognize that throughout our history, AANHPI communities have been the target of violence, disenfranchisement, efforts to restrict immigration, and other xenophobic policies at the federal, state, and local level. The echoes of this dark history are evident today in the shameful increase in Anti-Asian hate seen across the country. It is imperative that we confront past and present racism and fight for the safety and inclusion of our AANHPI friends and neighbors.

Whereas, AANHPI residents are proudly served in Michigan by many dedicated organizations, including Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Asian American Citizens for Justice, Asian Center Southeast Michigan and West Michigan, West Michigan Asian Pacific American Association, APIA-Vote Michigan, Rising Voices, Sikh Coalition, Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association of Michigan, South Asian American Voices for Impact, MI-India Foundation, India League of America-Michigan, Asian Indian Women’s Association of Michigan, and many more; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan takes pride in its cultural diversity and welcomes the opportunity to honor our AANHPI residents for their lasting, expanding imprint upon our state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to celebrate the individual and collective contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to this state and to this country.