May 02, 2021
In May, America recognizes Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions and influence of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders to our history, culture and achievements.
How Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Began
Recognition of this commemorative month started with Congress in 1977. It was initially proposed as a week-long celebration and took numerous Senate and House joint resolutions, Presidential proclamations, and Congress-enacted laws to be formally recognized.
In 1992, the official designation of May as Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was signed into law. The month of May was chosen to honor two milestones in American history:
- The arrival of Nakahama Manjirō on May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant to the United States; and
- The Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, which was built in large part by Chinese immigrants.
Who Does Asian-American and Pacific Islander Include?
More than 20 million people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent live in the United States, totaling about 6% of the U.S. population.
Home to 48 countries, Asia is the largest and most populous continent. The terms ‘Asian-American and Pacific Islander’ encompasses people from all the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands, including:
- Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands)
- Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia); and
- Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Cincinnati
This year, the Cincinnati community will celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders through week-long food festivities, virtual performances, critical discussions and more. For event information, click here.
Happy Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Glad to see diversity at work!
Posted by: Kim Blanton on May 05, 2021
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