HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Proclamation i
A Town of lexington, Jftoatbuattz
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►xsnct SELECT BOARD OFFICE
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PROCLAMATION x
Whereas: Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month is observed during the month of May to
recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI persons as part of the whole history,culture,and
achievements of the United States;and
Whereas: AAPI Heritage in the United States was celebrated at least as early as 1978 and was made into a
month-long event in 1992;and
Whereas: Lexington is proud to be home to a large AAPI population that contributes greatly to the prosperity
and enrichment of our community;and
Whereas: during AAPI Heritage Month,we acknowledge AAPI persons have lived and worked in the United
States for more than 200 years,and have made significant contributions to all facets of the United
States such as economy,culture,education,politics,arts,law enforcement,military,literature,science,
and technological developments despite institutional and systemic injustices designed
to silence and cover up these achievements and contributions;and
Whereas: during AAPI Heritage Month,we acknowledge the additional determination,hard work,and
perseverance AAPI persons must put forth to be heard and seen and that these additional efforts are a
result of inequitable institutional and systemic injustices; and
Whereas: despite these contributions and leadership,the role of AAPI persons in the U.S.has been consistently
overlooked and undervalued in education including areas such as math,science,literature,and
American history;and
Whereas: we celebrate the achievements and contributions of AAPI persons that enrich our history,society,and
culture,we must also acknowledge a darker aspect of the AAPI experience in America,which includes
painful stereotypes,structural discrimination,injustices,and periods of hate and violence.These
actions come at the cost of the mental health of the AAPI community and distorts the larger
community's ability to recognize the humanity in us all;and
Whereas: the AAPI communities are among the fastest growing populations in Lexington; and
Whereas: AAPI communities in Lexington have shared their rich culture and traditions while representing their
communities through public service and advocacy; and
Whereas: diversity represents one of our greatest strengths,and by recognizing the contributions and
accomplishments of AAPI persons,our town will put our values of inclusion into practice to build a
brighter future for all of our residents;and
Whereas: Lexington is committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure that Lexington is equitable and
welcoming to all people;and
Whereas: each of us has a personal responsibility to prevent the spread of misinformation,stereotypes,condemn
violent acts in any form,support all fellow community members,and reject stigma,hate,and bias in
all its forms;and
Whereas: Lexington is proud to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month,and commemorate the essential contributions,
sacrifices,and accomplishments that the AAPI communities have made.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE SELECT BOARD of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the
month of May to be annually recognized as
AAPI Heritage Month
in the Town of Lexington.We call this observance to the attention of all our residents with the support of the Lexington
Human Services Department and the Lexington Human Rights Committee.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have set our hands and caused the seal of Lexington to be affixed herewith on the 26'of
April 2021.
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1. � .- _
ALL I.HA IR JOSVH N.PATO
ZANNE LOBARRY DOIJ M.LUCENTE
v
MARK D.SA.NDEEN