May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! “AAPI” is a term used to describe approximately 24 million Americans consisting of roughly 50 ethnic groups. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed greatly to American progress in many ways such as helping to build the Transcontinental Railroad, advocating for labor law changes, and fighting in multiple wars – not to mention the influence on culture, fashion, food, and music. These instances barely scratch the surface of all of the contributions that have been made and will continue to be made for years to come. Read on to find out some ways to respect and celebrate this wonderful month.
- Get Acquainted with the History: AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May because it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people into the United States. It also pays homage to “Golden Spike Day” on May 10, 1869, when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed. We have been recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month since the 1970s, and rich and broad history is worth learning about. There are many books, television series, and websites to immerse yourself in to gain a better understanding of the significant impact that this community has had on the United States and beyond.
- Embrace the Art: Whether that be through appreciating and studying beautiful works of art or watching some of the masterful films that have come from the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, the possibilities are endless. These creative contributions should be revered, and we hope you find your next favorite. As a bonus, if you’re in New York City this May, check out the month-long commemoration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Chinatown. Find the events list here.
- Stop and Smell the Cherry Blossoms: Did you know that in 1912, Japan gave several varieties of cherry trees to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship? Yep, the same famous trees that blossom in Washington D.C. and show up on your Instagram feed every spring. Japan didn’t stop there, though. The National Park Service reported that in 1965, Japan gave another 3,800 trees. If you’re ever in the D.C. area in late March, stop and admire these beautiful gifts – the definition of one that keeps on giving.
- Support Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned Business: There is nothing greater than a Saturday afternoon at an Asian American-owned grocery store. One could spend hours viewing all of the delicious and unique items and taking home some of the most scrumptious offerings. In 2019, the S. Census Bureau estimated that there are approximately 581,200 Asian-owned businesses in the U.S. alone! There are likely a multitude of Asian-owned grocery stores, restaurants, and other shops in your area. Do some research and visit them!
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to you. We know that there are likely a multitude of ways to celebrate that we may not have captured in this post. We’d love to know how you’re celebrating and honoring this special time. Let us know on social media at the links below!