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Dane County proclaims May 2025 as Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American Heritage Month
Summary
The Dane County Board adopted a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and praised local APIDA contributions and history. Several supervisors referenced early Asian immigration and wartime discrimination in the resolution's text.
The Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month and reaffirming the county’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for APIDA communities.
Supervisor Yogesh Chawla introduced the resolution, which traces APIDA contributions to U.S. history and cites examples including early Japanese immigrants and the role of Chinese labor in the transcontinental railroad. The resolution text also references historical injustices such as the World War II internment of Japanese Americans and Bhagat Singh Thind’s legal struggle over naturalization.
Chair Patrick Miles welcomed the Hmong and APIDA presenters and offered remarks connecting immigrant family experiences with the broader theme of civic participation. In brief remarks after the vote he said community stories were “very brave” and emphasized gratitude for immigrant contributions to local life.
The board approved the resolution by voice vote after Supervisor Chawla moved it and Supervisor Brenda Yang seconded it. The clerk recorded the aye(s), and the chair announced the motion carried. The text of the resolution names several local milestones and firsts, including noting that Supervisor Brenda Yang is the first person of Hmong heritage to serve on the county board and that Patrick Miles is the first person of Asian heritage to serve as Dane County board chair.
The resolution calls on the county to recognize APIDA contributions “from the local to the national level” and to reaffirm commitments to diversity and inclusion. It does not appropriate funds or direct specific new programs.
