Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrating the rich culture and variety of ethnicities, languages, traditions and experiences within these diverse communities.

Written by Machelle Haessler, Quality Manager, Olympic Steel - Bettendorf, IA and Jim Luebke, Purchasing & Materials Manager, Olympic Steel - Bettendorf, IA

May marks the commemoration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions, culture and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month offers an opportunity to celebrate the rich variety of ethnicities, languages, traditions and experiences within these diverse communities. 

AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the 22.2 million Asians and 1.6 million Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Originating as a week-long observance in 1978, AAPI Heritage Month was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1992. This expansion aimed to encompass the historical significance of May, which marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843, as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrant laborers.

Asian American includes persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent. “Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander” includes persons having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands. The term “Asian American” was coined in 1968 by student activists Emma Gee and Yuji Ichioka, as a unifying political identity for different groups of people of Asian descent. The term “Asian American” also pushed back against the usage of the Euro-centric term “Oriental” to refer to Asians in the United States, which holds racist and colonialist connotations. Asian American has been an important political identity for peoples of Asian descent to fight for their civil rights. However, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are often more likely to identify with their national origins or ethnicity, than by race.

The AAPI community in the United States is incredibly diverse. From the bustling streets of Chinatown in San Francisco to the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles and the cultural hubs of Flushing in New York City, AAPI communities have enriched American society with their traditions, languages, cuisine and arts. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the two fastest-growing racial populations in the United States, projected to become the largest immigrant group in the country by 2055. Unlike other racial groups, most AAPIs are foreign born. Immigration is therefore a significant and relevant issue for AAPIs across the country. In addition, as the U.S. naturalization rates among the largest 20 immigrant groups has increased between 2005 and 2015, more attention has been paid to the AAPI voter base.

One of the significant contributions of AAPI individuals to American culture is their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Throughout history, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have confronted challenges such as discrimination, exclusion, and unjust immigration policies. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the struggles for civil rights in the 20th century, AAPI communities have fought for equality and justice.

Despite these obstacles, AAPI individuals have excelled in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on American society. From trailblazers like Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American elected to Congress, to groundbreaking figures in entertainment like Bruce Lee, Lucy Liu, and Mindy Kaling, AAPI individuals have shattered stereotypes and opened doors for future generations.

Moreover, AAPI communities have made significant contributions to the cultural, scientific, and economic fabric of the United States. Innovators like astronaut Ellison Onizuka and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai have inspired millions with their achievements, while Asian American-owned businesses have played a vital role in driving entrepreneurship and economic growth.

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, it is essential not only to honor the past achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, but also to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. This entails confronting prejudice, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering understanding and solidarity across communities.

To learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander’s there are numerous books, movies, and podcasts available. https://unexpectedvirtualtours.com/resources/aapi-history-month/ is an excellent collection of ways to learn and help celebrate AAPI History Month.