May has been proclaimed as Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. The proclamation was announced on May 30, shining a light on the rich history and contributions of the AANHPI communities. According to a Multnomah County press release, the theme of this year's national celebration is "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future."
During the proclamation, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of culturally specific services. "Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are hugely diverse in both language and culture," she said. Multnomah County is reportedly expanding its range of services and materials to better accommodate this diversity, with Pederson adding that such access points are integral in honoring the community's heritage every day.
The history of Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Oregon spans over 200 years, marking significant contributions to the state's development. The proclamation event coincided with the anniversaries of two important historical milestones: the immigration of Nakahama Manjiro, the first Japanese citizen to the U.S. in May 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May 1869, which was built with the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, who co-sponsored the proclamation, highlighted the impact of these communities within her district. "I'm honored to sponsor the County’s recognition of this diverse community and all they have done to contribute to the social fabric of Multnomah County," Brim-Edwards stated. In the face of rising anti-Asian hate, she believes the proclamation sends a clear message of value and acceptance for the AANHPI community in the region.
During the event, Zumana Rahman, a project manager in the County’s Health Department and chair of the Employees of Color Employee Resource Group, spoke to the need for greater representation of Asian and Pacific Islanders within the County’s workforce. "Our employees represent, after all, the communities that we serve," Rahman said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in fulfilling the American dream.
However, not all groups uniformly celebrate Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Jacinta Galea'i, executive director of the Samoa Pacific Development Corporation, expressed concerns about the practice of lumping together AANHPI data, which she believes has been harmful and problematic. Pacific Islanders in Oregon, she noted, face higher mortality rates and lower homeownership rates compared to Asians in the state.
The event drew attention to the fundamental need for data disaggregation to better support and uplift historically marginalized groups. Echoing these sentiments, Commissioner Sharon Meieran highlighted the crucial nature of data disaggregation in achieving equity and justice.
With continued efforts and support, the recognition of Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month serves not only as an affirmation of past and present achievements but as a commitment to a future where the rich tapestry of identities within these communities is fully celebrated and respected.
