IL SR0278

Declares May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Illinois to honor the contributions of AAPI residents and communities across the state.

Notes that May was chosen to commemorate the first arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 by predominantly Chinese immigrant workers.

Recognizes that Illinois is home to more than 870,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with the five largest communities being Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans, and Pakistani Americans.

Acknowledges that AAPI communities comprise more than 50 distinct ethnic groups and over 100 languages and represent the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the United States.

References the historical challenges of discrimination, exclusion, and violence faced by Asian American and Pacific Islander communities while recognizing their vital contributions to the development of Illinois and advancement of civil rights.