May 05, 2022
May 1 – May 31, 2022
Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (also known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month) is a month-long celebration that recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. More than 20 million people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent live in the U.S., totaling about 6% of the U.S. population. Here at Trihealth, we are committed to building teams with diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds in a welcoming and accepting environment to enhance the team member experience.
How AAPI Heritage Month Began
Like most commemorative months, AAPI heritage recognitions 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 AAPI Heritage Month was signed into law.
May: The Month to Celebrate
AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to honor two milestones in American history:
- The arrival of Nakahama Manjirō on May 7, 1843 – the first Japanese immigrant to the US
- The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 – built in large part by Chinese immigrants
Fun Facts!
- 555,262 or (9.9%) or About 1 out of 10 – The estimated number of Asian-owned businesses in the United States.
- About 7% or 22 million is the estimated number of Asians in the U.S. in 2019. California has the highest Asian population at 17%. While Wyoming holds the lowest percentages of Asian residents at just 2%.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
According to the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the theme for AAPI Heritage Month 2022 is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration.” Here at TriHealth, we offer education, training and development to leadership to speak with One Leadership Voice and operate with a unanimous effort to develop, promote, and hire team members from underrepresented and underserved populations.
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!
Resources:
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Fun Facts (census.gov)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Origins, Themes & Populations - HISTORY
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