Senate Resolution No. 1623

BY: Senator THOMAS

        LEGISLATIVE  RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Kathy
        Hochul  to  proclaim May 2024, as Malayalee Heritage
        Month in the State of New York

  WHEREAS, Asian and Asian-Pacific Islander Americans have contributed
greatly to the wealth and cultural heritage of our great  State  of  New
York; and

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2024, as Malayalee Heritage  Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; and

  WHEREAS,   Asian   and  Pacific  Islander  Americans  comprise  many
ethnicities and languages, and  their  myriad  achievements  embody  the
American experience; and

  WHEREAS,   Asian   and  Pacific  Islander  Americans  have  fostered
enterprises to include many of our Nation's most successful and  dynamic
businesses;  these men and women are leaders in every aspect of American
life such as government, industry,  science,  medicine,  the  arts,  our
Armed Forces, education and sports; and

  WHEREAS,  New York is home to Asian and Asian Pacific Islanders from
all parts of the Asian continent and Pacific Islands,  including  Japan,
China,   Taiwan,   Korea,  Thailand,  Vietnam,  Laos,  Burma  (Myanmar),
Cambodia,  the  Philippines,  Samoa,  Fiji,   Guam,   India,   Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan; and

  WHEREAS,  The  Malayali  people  are a multi ethnic linguistic group
originating from the present-day state of  Kerala  in  India;  they  are
identified  as  native  speakers  of  the  Malayalam  language, which is
classified as part of the Dravidian family of languages; and

  WHEREAS, A large number of Malayalis have emigrated  to  the  United
States;  according  to  the  2012 Census, there were 644,097 people with
Malayalam heritage in the United States, with the highest concentrations
in Bergen County, New Jersey, and Rockland County, New York; and

  WHEREAS, By recognizing the  accomplishments  and  contributions  of
Asian and Asian Pacific Americans, this great Empire State reaffirms our
commitment  to diversity and equal opportunity for all, thereby ensuring
a bright future for all New Yorkers and Americans; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to proclaim May 2024, as Malayalee
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.