ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-5
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
February 4, 2025
To recognize the Chinese community in the District of Columbia for its generous and valued
contributions to the cultural, economic, social , and political life of the city and to honor
the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association for its sponsorship of the parade to
celebrate the Year of the Snake.
WHEREAS, Chinese people have lived in the District of Columbia as a community since
at least 1884, when nearly 100 immigrants settled near 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
and remained there until 1935, when the settlement moved to its current location along H Street,
N.W., which is commonly known as “Chinatown”;
WHEREAS, Chinatown is a unique cultural and social center for the District, providing
visitors with a taste of Chinese culture;
WHEREAS, today there are more than 40 Chinese businesses and hundreds of Chinese
residents in Chinatown, which serves as the center of health care, dining, and shopping for the
thousands of Chinese residents in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area;
WHEREAS, the District of Columbia’s commitment to the Chinese community continues
as the government strives to improve services for the Chinese community through the
establishment of the Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Metropolitan Police
Department’s Asian Liaison Unit, and the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, which we
salute;
WHEREAS, thousands of District of Columbia residents will gather along I Street and
6th Street, N.W, on Sunday, February 2, 2025 to enjoy the parade and celebrate the Chinese
Lunar New Year;
WHEREAS, the annual anniversary celebration and parade for the Chinese Lunar New
Year, sponsored by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, is nationally known as
one of the finest celebrations of color, art, and pageantry; and
WHEREAS, the snake symbolizes wisdom, elegance, intuition, renewal, transformation,
and good luck. ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the "Chinese Lunar New Year 4723, Year of the Snake Recognition
Resolution of 2025”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes the Chinese community of the
District of Columbia and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association for their numerous
contributions to the cultural, social, economic, and political life of the city. Further, the Council
thanks the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the Parade Committee for
sponsoring the parade to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and declares Wednesday, January 29,
2025, as “Chinese Lunar New Year 4723, Year of the S nake Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.