Diversity Task Force - Diversity Dispatch - May 2021

As the world continues to see the impacts of COVID-19 this year's Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) Heritage Month brings heightened awareness and significance to a population that has experience systematic inequity particularly in the fight of this pandemic.

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated during May. The observation started as a week-long celebration under the President Jimmy Carter Administration in 1978. It was extended to a month under President George H.W. Bush in 1990. In addition to celebrating historical contributions, it’s an opportunity to engage with the different cultures within the AAPI community and reflect on current issues. It is also a reminder of the importance of learning and celebrating the historical contributions of AAPI communities, both this month and throughout the year. During this watershed moment in American history, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month takes on even more importance. Let us take action in our industry and community to bring a number of necessary conversations to the forefront.