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A Resolution Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Southeast Asian American Resettlement in the United States and Reaffirming the Philadelphia City Council’s Commitment to Invest in the Economic and Cultural Strength of Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese Communities.
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WHEREAS, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the Secret War in Laos, and the Fall of Phnom Penh in Cambodia-events that displaced millions of people and gave rise to one of the largest refugee resettlement efforts in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, following these events, families from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam sought refuge in the United States, including in Philadelphia, where they rebuilt their lives in the face of trauma, loss, and profound systemic barriers; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is proud to be home to vibrant Southeast Asian Americans, including thousands of Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, and Vietnamese residents whose cultural heritage, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement have greatly enriched the city’s neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Southeast Asian American communities have made enduring contributions to the city’s cultural life, workforce, and economy, often revitalizing overlooked urban corridors through small and family-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, despite their resilience, Southeast Asian communities continue to face socioeconomic challenges, including deportation threats, language access barriers, intergenerational trauma, and underinvestment in culturally relevant services; and
WHEREAS, Southeast Asian American-led organizations have been at the forefront of preserving cultural identity, advocating for equity, and empowering immigrant and refugee communities in Philadelphia and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council does hereby commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Southeast Asian American resettlement, recognizing the historical significance of 1975 and the courage, strength, and perseverance of Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian American communities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council celebrates the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of Southeast Asian Americans and honors their central role in shaping the vitality of our neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council encourages more investments in Southeast Asian American small and large businesses, acknowledging their vital role in Philadelphia’s local economy. This includes increasing access to capital, technical assistance, language-accessible city resources, and inclusive procurement opportunities for Southeast Asian American-owned enterprises.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council affirms its commitment to equitable funding for Southeast Asian American-led nonprofit organizations, to support cultural preservation, civic engagement, and refugee and immigrant advocacy.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council encourages public and private partnerships to develop programs that preserve and promote Southeast Asian cultural heritage and ensure Southeast Asian American youth, elders, and families have access to culturally competent services and leadership opportunities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council urges the development of educational and public history initiatives to ensure future generations understand the histories of Southeast Asian American communities and their importance to the fabric of American society.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council urges appropriate city departments to support the implementation of programs aligned with these commitments and to engage Southeast Asian communities in all planning processes.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to community leaders, cultural organizations, and youth leaders from Philadelphia’s Southeast Asian American communities as a symbol of recognition, solidarity, and continued partnership.
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