AANHPI Month Q & A

Why Do We Celebrate AANHPI Month?

By Mary Zheng

We celebrate AANHPI Month in May to recognize the experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and their many contributions to the history and culture of the United States. The influence of these communities started as early as 1763, when the first Asian settlement was established by Filipino fishermen in Louisiana.

Why May?

In 1977 the U.S. Congress chose the first ten days of May to commemorate the history and contributions of Asian American communities here in the U.S. The week’s observance became a month, the very month in which the first Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. in 1843. We also commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 as the majority of workers who laid those railroad tracks were Chinese immigrants. And that’s why AANHPI Heritage Month is in May.

What Is the Story behind AANHPI?

A notable story behind AANHPI Heritage Month centers on the efforts of Jeanie Jew, a Chinese American congressional staffer, who was pivotal in the establishment of this annual observance.

Jeanie Jew’s motivation was deeply personal and historical. Her great-grandfather, M.Y. Lee, had come to the United States from China and worked on the transcontinental railroad in the 19th century. Despite his significant contributions, he, like many others, faced severe discrimination and his efforts were largely unrecognized in mainstream American history. This historical omission inspired Jew to advocate for a dedicated time to honor the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

In the mid-1970s, Jew approached Representative Frank Horton of New York with the idea of establishing a week to celebrate Asian-Pacific heritage. Horton, recognizing the importance of this acknowledgment, along with Representative Norman Mineta of California, introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives. This initial resolution sought to designate the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. In the Senate, similar efforts were led by Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga of Hawaii.

On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed it into law, officially establishing Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. This observance provided a platform to honor the history, culture, and contributions of AANHPI communities.

The celebration grew in scope and significance over the years. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill expanding the week to a month, and in 1992, May was permanently designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The inclusion of Native Hawaiians in recent years further broadened the scope, reflecting a more comprehensive recognition of the diverse communities within the AANHPI umbrella.

How Can You Celebrate AANHPI month?

This month offers a wonderful opportunity for everyone, including those who do not identify as part of the AANHPI community, to engage in meaningful celebrations and learn about the cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities. Here are several ways to celebrate and honor AANHPI Heritage Month:

1. Educate Yourself

- Read Books and Articles: Some notable books by AANHPI authors include “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri, and “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui.

- Attend Virtual or In-Person Talks and Workshops: Many organizations host events during this month that feature speakers discussing AANHPI history, issues, and culture.

2. Support AANHPI Businesses

- Dine at AANHPI-owned Restaurants: Explore the diverse culinary offerings from various AANHPI cultures.

- Shop at AANHPI-owned Businesses: Support local businesses and artisans by purchasing goods from AANHPI-owned shops.

3. Participate in Cultural Events

- Festivals and Performances: Attend cultural festivals, music performances, dance shows, and art exhibitioncelebrating AANHPI heritage.

- Community Celebrations: Many cities host parades, fairs, and other community events. Participate and immerse yourself in the cultural experiences.

4. Engage with AANHPI Art and Media

- Visit Museums and Galleries: Explore exhibits dedicated to AANHPI history and art.

- Follow AANHPI Creators: Support and engage with artists, writers, filmmakers, and influencers on social media who share AANHPI stories and perspectives.