MAY 2021: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

This month the US celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (formerly known as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month).

The month-long event recognises the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. In the midst of a difficult year of pain and fear, and rise in Asian hate, US President Biden confirmed his commitment to achieve equity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). 

In a statement from the Whitehouse, Biden admitted that the American dream still remains out of reach for far too many AANHPI families; with many people from these communities continuing to face systemic barriers to economic justice, health equity, educational attainment and personal safety. “These challenges are compounded by stark gaps in Federal data, which too often fails to reflect the diversity of AANHPI communities and the particular barriers that Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian and South Asian communities in the US continue to face,” explained Biden.

STAMPING OUT ASIAN HATE CRIMES & BIAS

The current Administration also recognises the heightened fear felt by many Asian American communities in the wake of increasing rates of anti-Asian harassment and violence during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the “increasingly observable layers of hate now directed toward women and elders of Asian descent in particular”, highlighted Biden. “Acts of anti-Asian bias are wrong, they are un-American, and they must stop. My Administration will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with AANHPI communities in condemning, denouncing and preventing these acts of violence. We will continue to look for opportunities to heal together and fight against the racism and xenophobia that still exists in this country.”

Biden noted that present-day inequities faced by AANHPI communities are “rooted in our Nation’s history of exclusion, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia against Asian Americans”. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have endured a long history of injustice. These include “the Page Act of 1875, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the incarceration of Japanese American citizens during World War II, the murder of Vincent Chin, the mass shooting of Southeast Asian refugee children in 1989, and the targeting of South Asian Americans, especially those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh, after the national tragedy of 9/11,” highlighted Biden. “My Administration is committed to a whole-of-government effort to advance equity, root out racial injustices in our Federal institutions, and finally deliver the promise of America for all Americans.”

CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN LEADERS

During this year’s celebration, the US celebrates the achievements of Vice President Harris, the first person of South Asian descent to hold the Office of the Vice President.  “Vice President Harris has blazed a trail and set an example for young people across the country to aspire to follow, including members of AANHPI communities and AANHPI women in particular,” pointed out Biden. He also urged the American public to learn more about the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programmes and activities.

Biden believes it’s “long past time for Federal leadership to advance inclusion, belonging and acceptance for all AANHPI communities”. In fact, The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the organisation representing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, has themed this year’s event Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service. It has also organised an event to help advance more AAPI leaders in government.

FAPAC’s three-day Virtual National Leadership Training Program (on 25-27 May 2021) includes a free career exhibition as well as development programmes. Visit www.fapac.org/NLTP for more details. Click here for more information on other US national events to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.