SEATTLE — We're less than two weeks away from Lunar New Year, one of the most celebrated holidays in the world. But it's not officially recognized here in Seattle.
"We need to be recognized," Linh Thai said. "We need to be seen. We need to be seen as an integral part and important part of the community."
Thai and his family immigrated to Washington from Vietnam in the 80's. He recognizes Seattle as his home. But said his home needs to, "Recognize Lunar New Year as a major cultural celebration for so many Seattleites here."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asians represent more than 15% of the Seattle population. Despite the large Asian presence, the City of Seattle does not officially recognize Lunar New Year. So Thai created a petition urging the city to make it official.
"Make sure that we celebrate diversity, that we actually have a way to codify in the book somewhere, so future generations don't have to fight for it," Thai said.
And city officials agree, including newly appointed Seattle council member Tanya Woo.
"I think it would be great to have the city recognize Lunar New Year to emphasize inclusion, emphasize acceptance, especially for all the people within the city who celebrate Lunar New Year," Woo said.
Woo is taking the lead on a proclamation recognizing Lunar New Year. It will be presented on Tuesday at the full City Council meeting.
"This is the fastest way to recognize Lunar New Year," Woo said. "It would've been great to have more time to look at other areas possibly a resolution of some sort but I think having a proclamation done is probably the fastest and best route to make it by the deadline."
"This sends a powerful message moving forward,” Thai said. “That leadership, recognizes and embraces and encourages and supports this kind of positivity."
Meanwhile, Linh’s older sister, Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), is sponsoring a bill of her own to recognize Lunar New Year as a holiday in Washington state. On Jan. 31, the state House of Representatives voted to pass the bill. It heads to the Senate for further consideration.