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A resolution recognizing October 2026 as Filipino American History Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Filipino American History Month Celebrates the distinguished cultural contributions of Americans with Filipino heritage; and
WHEREAS, the earliest documented Filipino arrival in the United States was October 18, 1587, when the first “Luzones Indios” arrived in Morro Bay, California; and
WHEREAS, the Filipino American community of approximately 4.6 million people is the third-largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 4,000 Filipino Americans reside in Nashville and Davidson County, according to data from the American Community Survey; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have elevated their history and cultural heritage in Nashville, Davidson County, and the state of Tennessee through their organization of and participation in local events in schools, churches, and community centers; and
WHEREAS, in 2026, Larissa Maestro founded the Nashville Rondalla Project. This project, the first of its kind in Tennessee, promotes music as an act of community building, cultural preservation, and the indigenous Filipino concept of kapwa, or shared identity. The Philippine Rondalla is a string ensemble initially introduced by Spanish colonials. It has transformed into a symbol of resistance and a creative outlet which is uniquely Filipino, incorporating instruments that were invented on the islands; and
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans have long been an important part of Nashville and Davidson County through civic participation, culture, business, education, entertainment, health care and public and military service; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County recognize Filipino American History Month and acknowledge the contributions to the community and the country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing October 2026 as Filipino American History Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.