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Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is celebrated each May in the United States to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This observance serves as a time to recognize the diverse experiences and achievements of these communities throughout American history.
The inception of AAPI Heritage Month can be traced back to the efforts of Jeanie Jew, a Chinese American congressional staffer. Motivated by the lack of recognition for Asian Americans during the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, Jew collaborated with Representative Frank Horton to propose a commemorative week. This led to the introduction of House Joint Resolution 1007, which President Jimmy Carter signed into law on October 5, 1978, establishing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week beginning on May 4, 1979 .
The choice of May holds particular significance: it marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, a project heavily reliant on Chinese immigrant labor . In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a month, and in 1992, President George H. W. Bush signed it into law as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month .
Over the decades, AAPI Heritage Month has evolved to encompass a wide range of activities, from cultural festivals and educational events to discussions on social justice issues. The month serves not only as a celebration of heritage but also as a platform to address challenges faced by AAPI communities, including combating stereotypes and advocating for civil rights.
In recent years, the observance has gained renewed relevance amid rising awareness of anti-Asian discrimination. It provides an opportunity to highlight the resilience and contributions of AAPI individuals and to foster greater understanding and solidarity across communities.
AAPI Heritage Month stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, enriching the diverse tapestry of American society.
Join us this month as we honor the remarkable Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders in GlobalMindED’s network who are shaping impact across education, arts, leadership, and community:
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Kirstie Matsushima – National Director of Philanthropy
- Ngoc-Tran Vu – CEO of Tran Vu Arts
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Samuel Hungsoo Kim – President of the Center for Asia Leadership
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Rachel Endo – Founding Dean and Professor, School of Education, University of Washington Tacoma
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Joanne Liu – Co-Founder and CEO, Asian Girls Ignite
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Claudia Toro – Graduate student in Accounting
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Vicky Lin – GlobalMindED First Gen Grad
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Stephanie KyeongSeon Drenka – Korean adoptee writer and Co-Founder of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society
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