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.