Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month-long celebration which recognizes the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). In 1977, congressional lawmakers proposed bills for the creation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. After passing a law for a 7-day commemoration in 1978, Congress passed a law in 1992 which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

 Here are ways you can celebrate AAPI history — not just this month, but all year round.

1. Explore AAPI History

The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is the core of this observance. PBS has a great documentary series about the history of identity, contributions and challenges experienced by Asian Americans

2. Support Your AAPI Community

The Asian community has experienced an uptick of hate incidents, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn, speak up when you see or hear anti-Asian sentiment.

• Stop AAPI Hate
• Jolene Jang #Stop Asian Hate Advocacy
• Bystander Training

3. Support Asian Owned Businesses and Organizations

• #APIEventProfs

Some local delicious restaurants can be found:

Sunda Chicago

Cebu

Vermillon

4. Donate to Charities That Support Anti-Racism Equity and Equality and Wellness

• The Coalition of Asian American Leaders
• Heart of Dinner
• Asian Mental Health Collective
• AAPI Women Lead

• Purchase, Read, and Share Books by Asian Authors
• The Wake Up by Michelle Mijung Kim
• Other books

6. Listen to Podcasts that center AAPI voices

• MinneAsian Stories
• Asian Boss Girl
• Southern Fried Asian