Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The month of May

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. The month is recognized as a time to honor the achievements and resilience of this diverse community and to address ongoing issues like anti-Asian hate and discrimination.

Here's why May was chosen for AAPI Heritage Month:

• May 7, 1843:

  This date marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States.

• May 10, 1869:

  This day celebrates the transcontinental railroad’s completion, where a significant portion of the workforce comprised Chinese laborers.

Additionally, the month reminds us of the rich history and cultural diversity within the AAPI community, offering an opportunity to share stories, debunk myths, and promote understanding. After failed individual resolutions in the House and Senate in 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution the following year that proclaimed the “7-day period beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill expanding the week to the whole month.

Ways to Celebrate the Month:

Explore AAPI History

The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is the core of this observance. PBS has a great documentary series about the history of identity, the contributions made.

Read Books with AAPI Connections

Read up on the history of AAPI communities, both within the United States and in your home and/or surrounding countries. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center has a great list of books about Asian Americans’ experiences. Or check out Erika Lee’s “The Making of Asian America: A History.”

Watch a Movie

Watch this year’s Academy Award-winning film, “Nomadland,” directed by Chloe Zhao, the first Asian woman to win the top directing prize. Or enjoy “Minari,” a sweeping story that follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American dream, featuring South Korea’s Youn Yuh-jung in her Academy Award-winning role for supporting actor. Other great options include Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s Academy Award-winning movie “Parasite”. In addition to other recent incredible Korean movies like “Burning” and “Train to Busan,” there are Hollywood films directed by Asian filmmakers like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Farewell,” and “Searching". To get your fill of Bollywood, Netflix has compiled a comprehensive list and to capture Hollywood’s take, watch “Viceroy House,” “Gandhi” and “Mississippi Masala.”

Support Asian/Pacific Communities

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused much fear, frustration, heartache, and panic in communities. There have been many reports of a rise in anti-Asian racism since the pandemic. You can learn more and support Asian-American neighbors through the Asian American Alliance, an organization empowering Asian-Americans to lead in the community. Follow them on Facebook for more information on how to get involved.

Explore Asian/Pacific Art

Consider the diverse cultures of the AAPI community by looking at Asian art. Check out the Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art online. Appreciate a multitude of diverse ethnic backgrounds by exploring the Smithsonian photo gallery A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific America. Try Origami. Visit Origami.me to learn about the history of the most famous paper model, the crane, and make your own.

Discover Asian/Pacific Horticulture

Learn more about how, in 1912, Japan gave several varieties of over 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship. These trees were planted in Washington, DC, and produce the well-known cherry blossom. According to the National Park Service, in 1965, Japan gave another 3,800 trees. In 2011, about 120 propagates from the surviving 1912 trees were sent back to Japan to retain the genetic lineage. Read about bonsai and penjing, and give it a try at creating a bonsai.

Try Asian/Pacific Gourmet

Research different countries in the Asian-Pacific region and learn about their culinary culture. Many grocery stores carry ingredients common to Asian cuisine. Support local restaurants and buy some takeout. If you have been ordering from the same places, consider expanding and trying something new.