LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the
employment of large numbers of Chinese laborers on the construction of
the Central Pacific portion of the transcontinental railroad on April
12, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 150th Anniversary of the employment of large numbers of
Chinese laborers on the construction of the Central Pacific portion of
the transcontinental railroad, to be feted at the Chinese Railroad Work-
ers' Celebration Gala organized by the Asian Pacific Islander American
Public Affairs Association (APAPA) on Tuesday, April 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will applaud and pay tribute to the
accomplishments and contributions of the Chinese workers; despite facing
severe prejudice, discrimination, social isolation, and a language
barrier, as well as the inherent physical challenges of labor, the proud
Chinese workers persevered; and
WHEREAS, In 1865, construction began for the Transcontinental Rail-
road, which was predominantly built by Chinese laborers; the Union
Pacific Railroad faced a steep labor shortage and recruited heavily from
the pool of able-bodied Chinese workers; by the second year of the rail-
road's construction, approximately nine out of 10 workers were Chinese;
and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, many Chinese workers were often exploited,
given the most difficult and dangerous tasks, and subsequently, thou-
sands of Chinese workers lost their lives in the construction of the
railroad; and
WHEREAS, 12,000 hard-working Chinese men were tasked with the back-
breaking challenge of clearing a path through the Sierra Nevada Mountain
Ranges; and
WHEREAS, The sacrifices and laborious efforts made by the steady
Chinese workers facilitated rapid economic growth, and forever enriched
American culture with their values of hard work, and their vibrant
culture; and
WHEREAS, The transcontinental railway marks a pivotal moment in Ameri-
can history, revolutionizing trade and travel; goods could move across
the country faster than ever before, and expectedly, the increase in
trade facilitated economic growth; and
WHEREAS, Even though the majority of the work was done by Chinese
laborers, their contributions have gone largely unrecognized in American
history; these steadfast men took on the most dangerous jobs in the face
of tremendous prejudice, and epitomized mental fortitude and what it
means to be courageous; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the commu-
nities of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those individ-
uals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diver-
sity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the employment of large numbers of
Chinese laborers on the construction of the Central Pacific portion of
the transcontinental railroad; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Associ-
ation.