May brings a deep sense of pride and reflection as it marks Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. For a diverse community rich in history, culture, and resilience, this month serves as a time for celebration and a call to acknowledge stories that have shaped the fabric of America. The AAPI community is a vast mosaic of individuals whose roots trace back to countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond. It is a collection of languages, traditions, and experiences that span generations. Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated from May 1 to May 31.
Origins of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The origins of AAPI Heritage Month trace back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843. President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution into law on October 5, 1978, proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded this observance from a week to a month. In 1992, under President George Bush, May was annually designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. In 2009, it was renamed as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Challenges Faced by the AAPI Community
While AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the architects, artists, and athletes who have made their mark, it is also essential to understand the darker chapter of the community’s history. Consider the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. More than 120,000 individuals were forcibly relocated and incarcerated by the U.S. government, their livelihoods and futures displaced by the xenophobia of wartime hysteria. We are not looking at ancient history—many of those affected are still with us today.
As another example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law restricting immigration based on race and nationality. It specifically targeted Chinese workers, seen as threats to American jobs. These past events play a role in shaping the collective psyche of the AAPI community today. History is a lens through which we can better understand the complexities of the present.
AAPI Populations Today
The AAPI community is composed of more than 50 ethnic groups. The 23 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders residing in the U.S. can trace their roots back to more than 20 countries. In the present, the broader community continues to face challenges, many of which are tied to race, discrimination, and stereotypes. Employment and economic status are far from uniform among AAPI community members. While some subpopulations are concentrated in higher-paying professional and management occupations, others are concentrated in lower-wage service occupations.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have significantly contributed significantly to American society and culture. These include contributions to medicine, science, art, literature, sports and recreation, government and politics. Kamala Harris became the first Asian American U.S. Vice President in 2021.
In the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month, let us not only acknowledge the past but commit to shaping a present and future in which the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are seen, heard, and celebrated every day.