Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during May recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Did you know the history behind the Asian Pacific American Heritage month?
“In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration that is now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” – United States Census Bureau
Visit the United States Census Bureau website for more information about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
On Friday, April 30th, President Biden issued A Proclamation on Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2021.
“This May, during Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) across our Nation. In the midst of a difficult year of pain and fear, we reflect on the tradition of leadership, resilience, and courage shown by AANHPI communities, and recommit to the struggle for AANHPI equity.”
Visit previous US Presidential Proclamations that led to our current Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month.
There is a lot of information and events out there. Here are some:
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Let’s learn more about the journey of being an Asian American. Check out the PBS website, where they have produced Asian Americans, “a five-hour film series that chronicles the contributions, and challenges of Asian Americans, the fastest-growing ethnic group in America. Personal histories and new academic research casts a fresh lens on U.S. history and the role Asian Americans have played in it.” Watch the PBS Special – Asian Americans Episode 1
Learn more about Berkeley Lab’s Asian Pacific Islander ERG by visiting their website. Click here for a Zoom background celebrating AAPI Heritage Month!
