The California State Assembly passed a resolution Thursday to recognize Songkran New Year Festival, a traditional celebration in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The resolution, ACR 171, would “join Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the state, nation and world in celebrating the festival,” which takes place from April 13 to 15, according to BillTrack50.
“The recognition of Songkran reflects California’s commitment to celebrating the rich and diverse culture of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” reads a portion of the bill, BillTrack50 reported.
While the resolution is “symbolic in nature,” assemblymember Evan Low said this is a historic move for the California State Legislature, NBC Bay Area reported.
“It’s very important for us to recognize with intentionality that it is our obligation as the state of California to recognize the wide broad terminologies in the communities that makes up our Asian Pacific Islander community,” said Low to NBC Bay Area.
Monthanus Ratanapakdee, who is the daughter of Vicha Ratanapakdee, the man who ignited the “Stop Asian Hate” movement, helped create the California State Assembly resolution.
Ratanapakdee said she aims to fight for justice for her late Grandpa Vicha, who was violently killed in 2021 after being pushed to the ground, NBC Bay Area reported. Low noted that Ratanapakdee’s activism “represents and reflects the best of our community, which is to channel the negativity into positivity.”
“Even right now, when I’m thinking about my father, when I look at other people, I’m feeling like I want to help and supporting them,” said Ratanapakdee to NBC Bay Area. “Today, it’s historic for us, for our Southeast Asian community and every Asian American, AAPI and NHPI community and it’s an honor to me.”
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