May represents warmer weather and people heading out to enjoy the sun. But, May is also AAPI month, celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islanders Heritage. There are currently 22 million Asain Americans in America. It was enacted in 1978, to celebrate the culture and contributions of the AAPI community in America. May was chosen as the month due its historical significance in the Asain American history - the immigration of the first Japanese to America and the construction of the transcontinental railroad built by Chinese immigrants were all in May.
To many Asian Americans, AAPI Heritage month means celebrating their accomplishments and those who came before them. It’s celebrating themselves, their parents and their grandparents who have worked hard to build this community. There have been many significant Asian Americans who have influenced American history and below are some of the few:
Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu: A Chinese American Nuclear Phycisist known for being the recipient of the inaugural Wolf Prize in Physics and being the first woman to serve as president of the American Physical Society.
Dalip Singh Saund: He was the first Sikh American, the first Asian American, and the first Indian American to be elected to the U.S. Congress.
Duke Kahanamoku: A Native Hawaiin Olympic Gold medalist who helped popularize the Hawaiin sport of surfing.
Jerry Yang: A Taiwanese American Co-Founder of Yahoo who played an important role in redefining the role of technology.
It’s been a difficult time in recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to an increase in tracks against Asain Americans. Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize and elevate the AAPI community. Important discussions centered around the influence of Asian cultures, traditions, histories, and businesses are needed to highlight the role AAPI has played and continues to play in America.
Thanks to social media, it has become easier to openly acknowledge and be loud about celebrating the Asian community. We must make sure to amplify the contributions of the people who continue to shape our country and remember those who paved the way for the AAPI community.
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