May is Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.
Celebrations Throughout May
- Community Events: Many cities and organizations hold festivals, parades, cultural performances, and educational programs throughout May. These events showcase the rich tapestry of AAPI traditions, music, dance, cuisine, and visual arts. Some of corporates have designated days in May to dress in cultural outfits, bring traditional food.
- One such wonderful memory comes to me from when I used to work in a technology company. We had company wide every Thursday in May was dedicated to something related to AAPI culture, one such Thursday colleagues dressed up in Sarees, Salwars, Chinese traditional Hanfu etc. They also had one of the days for potluck with traditional snacks and food.
- Museums and Libraries: Institutions often host special exhibits, film screenings, lectures, and workshops focused on AAPI history and culture.
- Smithsonian has this on their AAPI event : In the month of May we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our shared history https://www.si.edu/events/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month
- Educational Outreach: Schools frequently integrate AAPI heritage into their curriculum, teaching students about the contributions and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
- There are also advocacy groups that have additional resources such as the The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). This founded in 1996, is a coalition of 41 national Asian Pacific American organizations around the country. Based in Washington D.C., NCAPA serves to represent the interests of the greater Asian American (AA) and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities and to provide a national voice for AA and NHPI issues.
Specific Dates
- May 7th: This is the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, which was largely built by Chinese laborers.
- May 10th: This commemorates the anniversary of the inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Lincoln signed the Homestead Act into law that same year, which allowed many Asian immigrants to establish farms in the United States.
While these are some examples, the beauty of AAPI Heritage Month lies in its local celebrations. Check with your local library, museums, community centers, or AAPI organizations for a calendar of events near you.
You can also find resources online at the website for the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
