TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare a resolution declaring October Filipino-American History Month in Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
Cities, states, and the Federal government often designate a certain month of the year to honor, recognize, and provide educational opportunities related to a certain national or ethnic group, their struggles and accomplishments, and their contributions to American culture, history, and society.
The Filipino American National Historical Society declared October to be National Filipino American History Month in 1988. The California Department of Education also recognizes October as Filipino American History Month. The United States Congress is currently considering legislation (H.R. 155) to grant official status to Filipino American History Month.
Filipino Americans have made extensive contributions to American society. Although there are 3-4 million Filipino Americans, their accomplishments and achievements are not always prominently featured in history texts, and a greater recognition of their accomplishments would serve the important American values of tolerance, diversity, and cultural and historical literacy.
October has been selected as the appropriate month to honor Filipino Americans because the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the Continental United States falls on October 1587. The landing in Leyte, Philippines of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Oct. 20, 1944, which led to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese military occupation, is also very significant to Filipino people.
Long Beach, with a significant population of Filipino-Americans, should honor October as Filipino American History Month with an official resolution.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERT GARCIA
FIRST DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER JAMES JOHNSON
SEVENTH DISTRICT