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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: About

This guide provides resources in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrated each May.

About Asian American Pacific Islander Month

During the month of May, we celebrate and honor the rich culture and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This includes the entire Asian continent as well as three groups of the Pacific Islands: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Originally observed during the first week in May, beginning in 1977, future presidents would amend preexisting laws to honor Asian/Pacific American heritage the entire month of May.

The Library of Congress notes the significance of May as the month to celebrate AAPI heritage: "The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants." (Source)

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