May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It is observed annually to celebrate the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society, and culture.
The terms ‘Asian’ and ‘Pacific Islander’ include all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The history of AAPI Heritage Month can be traced back to the late 1970’s, but it took decades to establish the month of May as a time to honor the AAPI community. Lawmakers selected May as AAPI Heritage Month as it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the U.S. (May 7, 1843), and Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was primarily built by Chinese laborers. While AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse culture of the AAPI diaspora, it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges members of these communities face. This year, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s (FAPAC) theme is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.”
BPCA Events
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month our annual Go Fish! event on Saturday, May 11 features a free live performance by the Birds of a Feather superduo of Little Miss Ann and Suzi Shelton.
On Tuesday, May 21, the BPC Book Club will be discussing Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang. Join us in the 200 Rector Place Community Room at 1PM.
Then on Thursday, May 30, join a celebration of Asian culture with Studio 245, an Asian and Asian American dance group who will show and teach the latest pop dance moves taking the world by storm!
Additional Resources:
– Governor Hochul Highlights Opening of Corky Lee Exhibit to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
– Library of Congress Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
– Federal Asian Pacific American Council
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