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Lancaster City Council proclaims Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; local AAPI leaders share stories
Summary
Council adopted a resolution recognizing AANHPI Heritage Month after members of Lancaster API spoke about business resilience, immigration experiences and community contributions. The resolution passed by voice/roll call vote.
Lancaster City Council on May 27 adopted Resolution No. 34 recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and heard several personal testimonials from local AAPI community leaders before the vote.
Cindy Lam, identified as president of Lancaster API and co‑owner of Cilantro Asian Street Kitchen, told council that AAPI‑owned businesses are visible across the city and that pandemic losses tested their resilience. “By recognizing and honoring a AANHPI heritage month, you're saying that we see you, we value you, and we believe in your place here,” Lam said.
Rachel Young, events chair for Lancaster API, described seeking community after moving to Lancaster in 2020 and said participation in LAPI broadened connections to multicultural organizations in the city. Samuel Solomon, a longtime Lancaster resident and DACA recipient who is a board member of Touchstone Foundation, described living in “legal limbo” under DACA and said Lancaster has shaped his sense of belonging. Maya McCully, a McCaskey graduate whose family arrived in 1975, recounted her family’s journey to Lancaster and thanked the city for opening doors for immigrant families.
Councilor Ahmed thanked the AAPI presenters and called the AAPI community in Lancaster “a model of how welcoming works.” After public comment, Council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call; the transcript records a series of “Aye” votes from council members present.
The council provided a printed copy of the resolution and invited members of Lancaster API to join for a photograph following the vote.
Speakers recorded in the meeting were Cindy Lam (president, Lancaster API; co‑owner, Cilantro Asian Street Kitchen), Rachel Young (events chair, Lancaster API), Samuel Solomon (DACA recipient, photographer, co‑owner of a streetwear brand, Touchstone Foundation board member), Maya McCully (McCaskey graduate and Lancaster resident) and Councilor Ahmed (council member who moved the flag‑raising resolution).
