Celebrating and Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM).
As an Asian American, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) holds a special place in my heart. It is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and to honor the countless contributions we have made to the fabric of this nation. From our rich history and traditions to our art, cuisine, and entrepreneurship Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to recognize and uplift the many ways we have enriched American society. Join me as we explore the significance of this important month and how we can all come together to celebrate and support the AAPI community.
Explore AAPI History and Culture
Visit museums or online exhibits that showcase AAPI art, culture, and history. Share what you learned with your family, friends, and colleagues. Consider trying new foods or reading books written by AAPI authors to learn about their perspectives and experiences.
Attend or Host a Cultural Event
Look for events happening in your community that celebrate AAPI culture, such as festivals or concerts. Attend these events with your family, friends, and colleagues. Alternatively, consider hosting a cultural event at work or at home by organizing a potluck or inviting a speaker to share their experiences and knowledge about AAPI culture.
Volunteer with AAPI Organizations
Many AAPI organizations need volunteers to help with community events, outreach, and other initiatives. Volunteer with these organizations to show support for the AAPI community and learn about their work firsthand.
Support AAPI-owned Businesses
Support AAPI-owned businesses in your community by purchasing their products or services. This could include dining at AAPI-owned restaurants, shopping at AAPI-owned stores, or hiring AAPI-owned businesses for services.
Advocate for AAPI Rights and Equity
Speak up about issues affecting the AAPI community, such as racism, discrimination, and inequality. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion for AAPI communities.
Have Conversations with Your Family, Friends, Peers, and Colleagues
Have conversations with your family, friends, peers, and colleagues about the importance of AAPI Heritage Month and why it's important to celebrate and uplift the AAPI community. Share your own experiences and perspectives and encourage others to do the same.
I will share this poem with you:
From the pearl across the sea,
To the land of the brave and the free,
A journey of strength and resilience,
As Filipinos we chart our destiny.
A melting pot of cultures and traditions,
A heritage rich in diversity,
We celebrate our roots and our history,
With pride and with unity.
From the bustling streets of Manila,
To the skyscrapers of New York City,
We carry with us our stories and our songs,
A tapestry of beauty and complexity.
Our ancestors faced great challenges,
But their spirit and their courage prevail,
Their legacy lives on in us,
Their triumphs and struggles we retell.
As we honor Asian American Heritage Month,
We celebrate our identity and our worth,
For we are Asian Americans,
A blend of cultures, a force on earth.
There are many ways to celebrate this month with your family, friends, peers, and colleagues, from attending cultural events to supporting AAPI-owned businesses to volunteering with AAPI organizations. Use this opportunity to learn, celebrate, and advocate for the AAPI community.