Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
Every year, the month of May is devoted to the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) is an umbrella term for Americans who are from or descend from the continent of Asia and the Pacific islands of 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). After first receiving a week-long celebration in May of 1978, Congress passed Public Law 101-283 in 1990 and Public Law 102-450 in 1992 annually designating the month of May as AAPI Month. This year, more than ever, the AAPI community deserves to be celebrated due to misinformed language surrounding the Asian community and the coronavirus. Here are a few ways you can honor the cultures, history, and contributions of this community.
Education
First and foremost, learning more about the history and customs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is important in understanding why they are being celebrated. Luckily, in the world of Google and social media, resources about the community are readily available. Seeking out resources about the rich history of this community in America is a great first step. History.com has collected several in-depth articles outlining the early history of Asian Americans, depicting the immense challenges they faced immigrating to the US and the contributions they made to help build this country along the way. Time Magazine also outlines eleven key events in American history that should especially be known when celebrating this month. From there, having a solid understanding of recent events and the struggles and contributions of Asian Americans today is incredibly important in becoming an ally and supporter in a turbulent time. Many organizations and activists have social media profiles dedicated to the sharing of resources and information pertaining the AAPI community. These profiles share updated and easily digestible information that is great for remaining informed about the community and current events. The Asian American Federation’s Instagram and website are great places to start.
If articles are not your thing, you’re in luck. There are many fantastic documentaries on AAPI history and culture that are available on a variety of streaming platforms. Documentary.org put together a list of several of them. Asian Americans: PBS Documentary Series is one of the most informative documentaries I’ve seen, and it is available free of charge on PBS. No matter what your platform preferences are, it is important to take some time this month and familiarize yourself with the history of AAPI people and current events happening in the Asian American community.
Community Events
No matter where you are located in the world, you can participate either in-person or virtually in many community events happening in celebration of AAPI month. The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month website is hosting daily virtual events and discussions open to all to join. Events like “Culinasia: The Future of Asian Food in America” and “Youth in Action: Ecological Knowledge in Pacific Coastal Communities” are examples of the type of programming they host. The Library of Congress, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Institution, and more are also holding virtual programming, check out the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month website for more.
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
As the world slowly begins to incorporate more in-person events, be on the lookout for any AAPI events in your area. In Syracuse, New York where I am currently living, the local Asian Art Coalition and Asian Pacific community leaders put on a city-wide parade and festival to celebrate. If there are no in-person events in your area, another great way to get out and support the AAPI community is shopping in Asian-owned stores and restaurants.
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
No matter how you choose to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and support this community, learning more and educating yourself about the present and past struggles of AAPI citizens is key. Whether you read articles, watch documentaries, or participate in virtual programming, these are all great ways in expanding your knowledge so you can be the best ally you can be.
Vocabulary list:
Heritage (n): valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Misinformed (v): give (someone) false or inaccurate information.
Customs (n): a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.
Immense (adj): extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree.
Turbulent (adj): characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm.
Digestible (adj): easy to understand or follow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hailey Womer is a third-year student at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and Political Science. With interests in communications, public diplomacy, and politics & government, she hopes to use communication to grow the passions of the public and advocate for others. In her free time, you can find her editing social media content, engrossed in the fashion trends of the season, catching up on the latest political buzz, or on a philanthropic mission to make the world just a little bit brighter!