October is Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos to arrive in the continental United States (modern day Morro Bay, CA) on October 18, 1587. First celebrated in 1992, FAHM has deep roots in Washington State, having been introduced by Seattle-local community leaders and founders of the Filipino American National Historical Society, Dr. Fred Cordova and Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova. In 2009, U.S. Congress officially recognized October as FAHM.



Filipinos in the U.S. have a rich, complex and diverse history and have made contributions in areas like labor and social movements, politics, entertainment and most connected to our work at WithinReach, public health and healthcare. Although “Filipinxs in the U.S. represent about 1% of the population, approximately 1 of 4 Filpinx working adults are frontline health care workers.” Filipino health care workers play an integral part in U.S. healthcare systems, especially during COVID-19, while also experiencing deep health inequities in their own communities. We hope you dedicate time this month to learn more, celebrate and advocate for Filipino American history and their contributions to the U.S. 

How can you celebrate Filipino American History Month?

Learn more about Filipino history in the U.S. and Washington

• “The Roots of Seattle’s Filipino Community | Kuya Geo” (KCTS 9 – YouTube) 
• “I Am Filipino” Exhibit (Wing Luke Museum) 
• Filipino Cannery Unionism Across Three Generations 1930s – 1980s (University of Washington) 
• philippine prisons & policing: a mini-zine (Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies) 
• “Grapes of Wrath: The Forgotten Filipinos Who Led A Farmworker Revolution” (NPR)  
• “A Filipino American Story Since 1587” (NextDayBetter – YouTube) 
• Pinay Guerrilleras: The Unsung Heroics of Filipina Resistance Fighters During the Pacific War (Pacific Atrocities Education) 
• 10 Ways to Celebrate Filipino American History Month (Google Arts & Culture) 

Donate to organizations that support Filipino people and communities



• Amado Khaya Initiative (AKI): AKI aims to disseminate indigenous, land-based, decolonial knowledge and promote individual and collective healing, transformation and liberation. 
• Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS): FANHS promotes the understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. 
• Filipino Community of Seattle: For over 80 years, the Filipino Community of Seattle has been a galvanizing force and a cultural touchstone for thousands of Filipinx Americans and other immigrants throughout our community. 
• IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services: IDIC is committed to providing advocacy and health, wellness, and deliver social services to underserved Filipino and Asian elderly immigrants and vulnerable families. 
• National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON): NAFCON is a national alliance of Filipino organizations, institutions, and individuals that responds to the concerns of Filipinos in the US and in the Philippines by creating an action-oriented platform that brings people together through culture & heritage, education, health & wellness, and advocacy.

What else is happening this month?

Mental Health Resources and Events