Bill Text: CA AR94 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Resolution 94

Introduced

Bill Title: Relative to Áo Dài Week.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 53-16)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-09 - Read. Adopted. [AR94 Detail]

Download: California-2023-AR94-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

House Resolution

No. 94

Introduced by Assembly Member Kalra
(Principal coauthors: Assembly Members Stephanie Nguyen and Ta)

April 18, 2024

Relative to Áo Dài Week.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

HR 94, as introduced, Kalra.

WHEREAS, The Áo Dài is a Vietnamese traditional long gown of great cultural and historic significance to Vietnamese American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities; and

WHEREAS, The Áo Dài has been recognized as a component of the cultural aesthetic and heritage of the Vietnamese diaspora by the State of California; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 2,300,000 people of Vietnamese origin in the United States, nearly 190,000 of whom are residents of the County of Orange, 140,000 of whom are residents of the County of Santa Clara, with the City of San Jose claiming home to the highest population of Vietnamese origin per area outside of the country of Vietnam, and 27,000 of whom are residents of the the County of Sacramento; and

WHEREAS, The Áo Dài Festival, a multidimensional experience celebrating Vietnamese art and culture founded by Dan Do and the late Jenny Do, has been held biennially in the downtown of the City of San Jose and has brought together artists and social activists across the nation with the intent of encouraging generations to appreciate and learn about Vietnamese culture; and

WHEREAS, The Vietnamese New Year festivals across the State of California and the United States annually celebrate the occasion by showcasing the elegance of the Áo Dài; and

WHEREAS, Áo Dài Day and Áo Dài Festival will be celebrated throughout the State of California during Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month in May 2024; and

WHEREAS, The Vietnamese diaspora, the Áo Dài, the Áo Dài festivals, and Áo Dài Day contribute to the cultural heritage of the people of the State of California and celebrate the beauty of American diversity; and

WHEREAS, More young Vietnamese generations are proudly wearing their Áo Dài in public, not only during Lunar New Year Celebration season, but also at music concerts, weddings, and nontraditional celebrations throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, More Vietnamese cultural festivals and cultural pageants have been hosting competitions for the best Áo Dài, showcasing a wide array of designs that represent the unique traditions and cultures from different regions of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, The Áo Dài has been a topic for domestic and international composers and artists across the world to depict Vietnamese culture; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes May 12, 2024 to May 18, 2024, inclusive, as Áo Dài Week and encourages Californians to take part in this joyous week of cultural celebration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly recognizes the historical significance of the Áo Dài and the festivals of the Áo Dài, and expresses its deep respect for Vietnamese American, Vietnamese refugee, and Vietnamese overseas communities throughout the world during this significant occasion.