Agenda Item: 4a 
Meeting Date: May 28, 2024 
PROCLAMATION 
OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
WHEREAS, Together We are Stronger; and 
WHEREAS, Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AA&NH/PI)
Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the long history of Asian  American and Native
Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (AA&NH/PIs) across our nation, in our state, and at the Port of
Seattle; and 
WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs Heritage Month is also a time to elevate and celebrate the
innumerable contributions and achievements of AA&NH/PIs in defending our democracy in times
of crisis, in building our great nation’s infrastructure, and in stimulating small business
development; and 
WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievement of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first
South Asian American woman, to hold the second highest office in the nation; and 
WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievement of Mayor Bruce Harrell, the first Asian
American and first biracial Mayor of the City of Seattle ; and
WHEREAS, We celebrate the achievements of our Port of Seattle Commissioners in
serving in leadership positions in the Port’s 111-year history: Sam Cho the first Asian American
and first Korean American elected to the presidency in 2023 and Toshiko Grace Hasegawa first
Asian American woman and first Japanese American woman to serve two terms as Vice President
in 2023 and 2024; and 
WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs are represented at every level of staffing and leadership at the
Port of Seattle and we praise the tremendous work of Home for Asian Pacific Islanders (HAPI),
Employee Resource Group, in continuing to elevate the voices of AA&NH/PIs at the Port; and 
WHEREAS, We commemorate the third anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Murders of six
women of Asian descent and highlight the continued rise in hate and violence perpetrated against
AA&NH/PIs nationally and locally since the pandemic; and 
WHEREAS, AA&NH/PIs are diverse with very distinct cultures and lived experiences,
representing 48 distinct Asian and Pacific Islander nations; and

           WHEREAS, It is precisely the diversity of people and perspectives within the
AA&NH/PIs that makes AA&NH/PI communities stronger, more resilient, and able to achieve
better outcomes, as demonstrated by Port HAPI ERG; and 
WHEREAS,  HAPI members representing AA&NH/PIs are honored to work
collaboratively against anti-Asian bias and discrimination and stand united in seeking greater
opportunities for AA&NH/PIs; and 
WHEREAS, The recognition of May as AA&NH/PI Heritage Month is an important
and meaningful step in honoring the history and contributions of AA&NH/PI people and Port
employees. 
NOW, THEREFORE, the Port of Seattle Commission hereby commemorates May as
Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, acknowledging the
contributions of the “Home of Asian and Pacific Islander” (HAPI) ERG, committing to promoting
an inclusive and unifying environment for AA&NH/PIs, and reaffirming the importance of
advancing AA&NH/PI leaders throughout the organization. 
Proclaimed by the Port of Seattle Commission this 28 day of May, 2024.


Port of Seattle Commission 




Port of Seattle Commission