On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. On May 10, 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was finished by many Chinese immigrant workers. On May 4, 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the “7-day period beginning on May 4, 1979, as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill expanding the week to the full month.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated to highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of Asian Pacific American communities. The culture of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) contributes to stronger societies as individuals and as a group. Ancestry tracks back to continental Asia (the Middle East, East Asia, and Southeast Asia) and the Pacific Islands (Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia) in the United States.
There are many ways to learn about and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Whether through art, history, music, and/or cuisine, take time to pay tribute to the rich culture that was instrumental in forming American history.
To obtain information about Asian Pacific American Heritage month and to participate in celebratory events throughout the month of May, visit: https://asianpacificheritage.gov/.