May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
In 1978, a joint congressional resolution introduced the first 10 days in May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Then, in 1992, the entire month of May was officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate Japanese immigration to the United States in May 1843 as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869.
We ask that you take time this month to learn more about Asian/Pacific American history. The more we learn, the better we understand and recognize the experiences of others. To start, take a look at this brief video from Facing History and Ourselves.
We have experienced an increase in violence and hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islander communities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We stand against Asian American Pacific Islander hate and all forms of racism.