May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

President George H. W. Bush designated May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. In this annual celebration, Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians are recognized for their many contributions and achievements. This month-long observance was established to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures and histories of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It's also a time to reflect on the challenges and barriers that these communities have faced and continue to face.

Asian Pacific Americans have made significant contributions to American society in many areas, including science, technology, business, arts, and politics. From Dr. Haing S. Ngor, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a Cambodian journalist in the movie "The Killing Fields," to Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman of Asian descent to hold that position, Asian Pacific Americans have made a lasting impact on American culture and history.

Despite these achievements, Asian Pacific Americans have faced discrimination and exclusion throughout American history. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, for example, prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the United States and denied citizenship to Chinese immigrants already living in the United States. Other Asian Pacific American communities, including Japanese Americans and Filipino Americans, were also subject to discriminatory laws and policies.

Today, Asian Pacific Americans continue to face discrimination and racism. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, and Asian Pacific Americans continue to face barriers in education, employment, and other areas.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans while also acknowledging the challenges that these communities have faced and continue to face. It's a time to promote understanding and respect for the diversity of cultures and experiences that make up the Asian Pacific American community.