Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an annual celebration in May that recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It honors the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and achievements of AAPI communities, which include people from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

The month was officially designated in 1992, building on earlier efforts to recognize AAPI contributions. May was chosen to commemorate two historical events:

• May 7, 1843 – The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S.
• May 10, 1869 – The completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.

Celebrations often include cultural performances, educational events, film screenings, panel discussions, and community gatherings. Since May is a busy time for colleges with finals and graduations, some institutions extend their celebrations from April 1st to May 16th to allow for greater participation.