May marks Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, which celebrates the histories, cultures and achievements of Americans from the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
AAPI is used to describe a diverse and fast-growing population of 23 million Americans; which includes roughly 50 ethnic groups with roots in more than 40 countries. This year’s theme, chosen by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration”. It builds on a leadership advancement theme series that began last year. In 2022, “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration” further highlights FAPAC’s efforts in advancing leaders in the Federal and DC governments.
“This month, we celebrate our fellow Americans from Asian American and Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and pay tribute to all they have done to help fulfil the promise of America for all. Together, let us recommit ourselves to building a country in which every American — regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they look like — has an equal opportunity to thrive,” stated US President Joe Biden.
UNDERSTANDING AAPI EXPERIENCES
The first celebration began as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week” on May 4, 1979; when President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4650 to commemorate the contributions and accomplishments of Asian/Pacific Americans. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance from a week to a month. Then In 1992, President George H.W. Bush passed Public Law 102-540 designating the month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
The month of May was chosen for AAPI Heritage Month because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on 7 May 1843. May is also a significant month because it recognises Golden Spike Day, 10 May 1869; which marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad that was built with significant contributions from Chinese workers. In fact, that railroad cut travel time across the US from months to less than a week.
This year’s celebration of AAPI Heritage Month is particularly important; especially given the increase in racially-motivated hate crimes against Asian Americans since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, according to a new study, the overall perceptions of Asian Americans are worsening in the US as most Americans fail to understand AAPI experiences. Click here to read more.
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