PROCLAMATION

OF THE

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

WHEREAS, Together We are Stronger; and

WHEREAS, Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AA&NH/PI)

Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the long history of Asian American and Native

Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (AA&NH/PIs) across our nation, in our state, and at the Port of

Seattle; and

WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs Heritage Month is also a time to elevate and celebrate the

innumerable contributions and achievements of AA&NH/PIs in defending our democracy in times

of crisis, in building our great nation’s infrastructure, and in stimulating small business

development; and

WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first

South Asian American woman, to hold the second highest office in the nation; and

WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievement of Mayor Bruce Harrell, the first Asian

American and first biracial Mayor of the City of Seattle; and

WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievements of our Port of Seattle Commissioners in

serving in leadership positions in the Port’s 111-year history: Sam Cho the first Asian American

and first Korean American elected to the presidency in 2023 and Toshiko Grace Hasegawa first

Asian American woman and first Japanese American woman to serve two terms as Vice President

in 2023 and 2024; and

WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs are represented at every level of staffing and leadership at the

Port of Seattle and we praise the tremendous work of Home for Asian Pacific Islanders (HAPI),

Employee Resource Group, in continuing to elevate the voices of AA&NH/PIs at the Port; and

WHEREAS, We commemorate the third anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Murders of six

women of Asian descent and highlight the continued rise in hate and violence perpetrated against

AA&NH/PIs nationally and locally since the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs are diverse with very distinct cultures and lived experiences,

representing 48 distinct Asian and Pacific Islander nations; and

Agenda Item: 4a

Meeting Date: May 28, 2024

WHEREAS, It is precisely the diversity of people and perspectives within the

AA&NH/PIs that makes AA&NH/PI communities stronger, more resilient, and able to achieve

better outcomes, as demonstrated by Port HAPI ERG; and

WHEREAS, HAPI members representing AA&NH/PIs are honored to work

collaboratively against anti-Asian bias and discrimination and stand united in seeking greater

opportunities for AA&NH/PIs; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of May as AA&NH/PI Heritage Month is an important

and meaningful step in honoring the history and contributions of AA&NH/PI people and Port

employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Port of Seattle Commission hereby commemorates May as

Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, acknowledging the

contributions of the “Home of Asian and Pacific Islander” (HAPI) ERG, committing to promoting

an inclusive and unifying environment for AA&NH/PIs, and reaffirming the importance of

advancing AA&NH/PI leaders throughout the organization.

Proclaimed by the Port of Seattle Commission this 28 day of May, 2024.

Port of Seattle Commission