Washington County proclaims May 2026 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; AANHPI Fair set for May 27

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on April 28 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and invited residents to a county AANHPI Fair on May 27.

Martin Manatt of the Department of Housing Services introduced the proclamation and described heritage months as “an important starting point for our collective organizational engagement,” saying the observances help staff and communities build relationships and learn about the county’s diverse residents. The proclamation text highlights that “AANHPI history is American history” and cites the official May designation signed into law in 1992.

The proclamation, read aloud by staff members Christian and Sheddy along with Adrian Bagoya and Remy Felds de Mont, names the 2026 theme as “power in unity, strengthening communities together,” and calls on Washington County residents to learn about and celebrate AANHPI contributions to the county’s civic, economic and cultural life. The announcement included an invitation to the second annual AANHPI Fair at the Public Services Building on May 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Chair Harrington and other commissioners thanked the planning committee for their work. Chair Harrington noted the importance of acknowledging both contributions and painful parts of history and said the observance will help refresh community awareness; she also referenced family ties to Native Hawaiian heritage. A commissioner moved to adopt the proclamation; another commissioner seconded the motion. The Board voted 5-0 in favor of the proclamation.

The proclamation reading and the vote concluded with an invitation for attendees and commissioners to gather for a group photograph at the front of the meeting room.