Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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May 1-31
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and honor the immense contributions of Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders to our culture and society!
Introduction
Celebrate the rich history of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on May 1st! This month-long celebration honors the many contributions and achievements that the AAPI community has made to our country. It is a time to recognize their struggles, celebrate their successes, and embrace their culture. From music to art to food, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates all forms of creativity and encourages us to continue learning about this vibrant culture. So let's take this opportunity to honor AAPI heritage and show our support for an inclusive America!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Timeline
1977
Congressional Bills Introduced
Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced resolutions to Congress to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week.
1978
President's Proclamation of Heritage Week
President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.
1990
Increased to a Month-Long Celebration
George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend the Asian-American Heritage week into a month.
1992
Perennial Celebration Enacted
A law permanently designating May of each year as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was enacted.
1997-1999
Further Recognition and Naming
Due to growing demand, the official observance name was updated in successive years to Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month then eventually to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
How to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
1
Watch a movie
Take some time to watch a movie that celebrates the culture of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, like Crazy Rich Asians or The Joy Luck Club.
2
Attend a cultural event
Look up cultural festivals in your area or online and attend one. Many cities host events where you can learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander culture.
3
Read a book
Read books written by authors from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities or books about the culture. A great place to start is Julie Otsuka's novel, When The Emperor Was Divine.
4
Explore a museum
Visit an Asian American or Pacific Islander museum to learn more about the history and culture. There are several museums located around the U.S.
5
Volunteer
Find local organizations that focus on helping the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and volunteer your time and energy to help out.
Why Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is Important
A
It Recognizes the Diverse Communities
Asian American Heritage month is important because it recognizes and celebrates the many diverse communities in the US which are made up of people from East, South and Southeast Asia. It's a chance to learn more about their rich cultures and histories, as well as exploring shared experiences such as immigration, discrimination and resilience.
B
It Promotes Diversity & Inclusion
By celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, we can promote diversity& inclusion in our society. Many AAPI communities have faced racism and other forms of oppression, so it is essentialto recognize these communities for their contributions to society and work towards creating an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.
C
It Inspires us to be Proud of our Culture
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month inspires us to be proud of our culture. As members of the AAPI community,we can celebrate by attending cultural festivals, learning new recipes inspired by traditional dishes from Southeast Asian countries or simply reflecting on our own unique cultural identity.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Dates
Year
Date
Day
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday