In a historic move, the Clark County Commission approved the establishment of a dedicated Filipino Town cultural corridor along South Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas. The decision, which was met with enthusiasm from community members, marks a significant milestone in recognizing the contributions of the Filipino population in the region.

The meeting was filled with energy as attendees celebrated this achievement by waving Filipino flags and expressing their joy through applause. Local resident JoAnn Fields highlighted the importance of this corridor, stating, “This is not only significant for Las Vegas, but the whole United States. This is an opportunity to share our history and contributions in American history.”

Community Efforts and Leadership

The initiative was spearheaded by Rozita Lee, a long-time resident of Las Vegas who moved from Hawaii in 1979. Reflecting on the past, Lee described how the Filipino community had limited spaces for gathering except for small shopping centers in the downtown area. The California hotel served as a social hub for many Filipino immigrants during that time.

Lee, recognized as a grassroots leader, has worked diligently to promote the cultural corridor concept, which she refers to as “God’s project.” This effort is aimed at fortifying the Filipino community’s identity for future generations.

Supporting Local Businesses

Local enterprises have expressed their support for the corridor, including establishments such as Tiabi Waffle and Coffee Bar, pop-up restaurant Istorya, and the Boulevard Mall, which provides a platform for numerous Filipino-owned businesses. The cultural corridor will also be anchored by Seafood City Supermarket, a crucial resource for the local Filipino population.

Seafood City not only offers essential Filipino grocery items but also acts as a communal space where residents can connect. Although many Filipinos have moved beyond the immediate area, they frequently return to Maryland Parkway for its unique offerings. Lee noted that the supermarket has played a vital role in unifying the community.

Civic Engagement and Cultural Celebrations

The grocery store has previously hosted civic engagement events, such as serving as a polling place, and is the site of an annual Philippine Independence Day celebration. Gloria Caoile, a labor activist and founding leader of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, emphasized the significance of such gatherings in fostering community spirit and cultural pride.

Demographic Growth and Historical Context

Current estimates suggest that nearly 250,000 Filipinos reside in Southern Nevada, with numbers continuing to rise. Joel Enriquez, president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada, noted that Filipinos represent the largest and fastest-growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) demographic in the state. This migration trend picked up during the 1990s, notably in response to Nevada’s recruitment of Filipino healthcare professionals to alleviate local shortages.

In recent years, the Clark County School District has also sought Filipino educators through the J-1 Cultural Exchange Program to address specific educational needs.

Official Recognition and Next Steps

In 2019, the Clark County Commission created the Clark County Cultural District Designation Policy to support cultural heritage recognition, paving the way for this new initiative. Prior to the Filipino Town approval, only one other cultural district, Little Ethiopia, had been recognized following a comprehensive advocacy effort by the local community.

Field’s comments during the meeting highlighted the corridor’s potential to attract tourism and educate the public on shared histories between Filipinos and other ethnic groups, referencing notable figures like Larry Itliong and Carter G. Woodson.

Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who represents the district for the new corridor, confirmed plans for an upcoming celebratory unveiling of the Filipino Town signage, noting the excitement surrounding this development.