May is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). This month-long observance, known as AANHPI Heritage Month, is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of the people who make up these communities in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 24.7 million people in the United States and over 70 different ethnic and national groups who identify as Asian.
A Brief History
The celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month has its roots in the late 1970s. Initially, the first week of May was designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1992, the observance was expanded to a month-long celebration. May was chosen because the month holds historical significance: the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. arrived in May 1843 and the transcontinental railroad, which many Asian immigrants helped build, was completed in May 1869.
How to Get Involved
Each year the Asian Pacific Heritage Month website, a site which includes contributions from several national institutions such as the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institution, offers curated and diverse educational resources such as podcasts, virtual exhibits and historical documents to explore the different cultures celebrated during the month of May. In addition, LearningforJustice.org provides and uplifts the experiences and contributions of AANHPI communities.
