May is recognized as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AANHPI Heritage Month recognizes the history, contributions, and achievements of the AANHPI community in the United States.
AANHPI Heritage Month originated in 1978 when Congress passed legislation recognizing a seven-day period in May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The observance was later expanded to a month in 1990. Then, in 1992, Congress passed legislation annually designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen for its particular significance. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States and, on May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad, which was largely constructed by Chinese immigrants, was completed.
Liskow joins communities across the country in commemorating AANHPI Heritage Month—and in recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of AANHPI individuals.
Below are links to resources to learn more:
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Website created by the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month.
- NAPABA: Website for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (the nation’s largest Asian Pacific American membership organization), which includes information about programming, advocacy efforts, and resources to combat anti-Asian hate.