WHEREAS, Cantonese is a language closely associated with a distinct culture originating from the City of Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong, China, and Cantonese is currently shared by 100,000,000 people globally; and

WHEREAS, Cantonese is by far the largest non-Mandarin spoken variant of Chinese, and Taishanese, linguistically related to Cantonese, served as the bridge language in many overseas Chinese immigrant communities, including many of California’s Chinatowns; and

WHEREAS, Cantonese people were among the earliest Chinese immigrants to the United States, arriving as early as 1821, and played a pivotal role in California’s Gold Rush Era, the construction of the United State’s first transcontinental railroad, and the establishment of California’s agricultural industry; and

WHEREAS, For much of United States history, Guangdong has been the place of origin for most people emigrating from China, particularly those from the County of Taishan; and

WHEREAS, A number of prominent United States citizens are of Cantonese descent, including Wong Kim Ark, whose landmark Supreme Court case affirmed the right of birthright citizenship for millions of Americans, Hiram Fong, the first Chinese American United States Senator, Judy Chu, the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress, and more; and

WHEREAS, The 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional harvest festival that is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture, bringing family together to give thanks and well wishes; and

WHEREAS, California has the largest number of Cantonese speakers in the United States by far, and Cantonese people continue to contribute to the culture, economy, and vibrancy of California; now, therefore, be it