Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed annually during the month of May to commemorate the contributions and achievements of the AAPI community. Its history dates to not long ago; the very first inspiration for an Asian/Pacific heritage month came from a former Capitol Hill staffer named Jeanie Jew, who proposed the idea of a month to honor Asian Americans to New York representative Frank Horton. In June 1978, Horton and Japanese American representative Norman Y. Mineta declared the first ten days of May as Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Week. Fourteen years later in 1992, a bill was passed in Congress that dedicated the entire month of May to celebrating AAPI heritage. There are two reasons why AAPI month is held during May: one reason is that on May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant, Nakahama Manjiro, arrived in the United States. The other historical event was the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was largely built by Chinese immigrants.
To pay tribute to those who paved the way for us, here is a non-exhaustive list of important Asian American figures:
Larry Itliong
Larry Itliong was a Filipino-American farm laborer and one of the most influential leaders of the past century. Itliong devoted his life to attaining justice for the poor, leading organizations and working with union leaders along the west coast. His most notable achievement was the Delano Grape Strike, in which Itliong convinced over 2,000 Filipino workers to demand better working conditions. The strike resulted in a pay raise, health insurance, and protection against toxic pesticides. To this day, the Delano Grape Strike is known as one of the most important labor and social justice movements in American history.
Michael Chang
In the entire history of the professional tennis world, Asian Americans have rarely found true success. Michael Chang, a Chinese-American tennis player, turned pro at a young age, and set records not just for the AAPI community, but also for the world. At age 15, Chang was also the youngest player to win a match in the U.S. Open. In 1989, he became the youngest male to win a grand slam in tennis, winning the French open at age 17. Michael Chang retired in 2002 with a career-high ranking of world no. 2 and a whopping 34 career titles.
Tammy Duckworth
Ladda Tammy Duckworth single handedly made history in various fields, becoming the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, the second female Asian-American senator, the first female with a disability elected to office, and the first senator to give birth while in office. As a war hero-turned-activist, Duckworth has had a storied career where she has and continues to fight relentlessly for better protection and resources for American veterans.
I.M. Pei
Ieoh Ming Pei, also known as I.M. Pei, was an internationally-renowned Chinese American architect. The prized architect has designed a number of iconic structures, such as the instantly recognizable glass museum at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Other buildings designed by him include the Bank of China Tower, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the East Building at the National Gallery of Art, which many consider to be his most acclaimed piece. His extensive portfolio and unique vision cemented his reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after architects. Pei’s innovative, modern buildings have defined city skylines all around the world.
Yuri Kochiyama
One of the most inspiring and recognized civil rights activists in American history, Yuri Kochiyama has left behind quite the legacy. Kochiyama and her family were among the 120,000 Japanese Americans placed in internment camps during World War II. There, her eyes were opened to the corruption around her and she began her political fight. Kochiyama dedicated her entire life to advocating for social change and human rights. While living in Harlem, Kochiyama befriended Malcolm X; she was famously pictured cradling his head after his death. Whether it be freeing political prisoners, holding anti-racism and anti-Vietnam war rallies, or storming the Statue of Liberty demanding Puerto Rican independence, Kochiyama has made significant contributions to society across all fronts.
Asian Americans have defied expectations, knocked down stereotypes, and proven to the world that they are more than capable. This month, take the time to learn their names and their stories. Celebrate the historic achievements of the AAPI community across all domains, but also acknowledge that the fight for equality has only just begun and that there is progress to be made. This past year has been a tough one for Asian Americans. Get involved this month: get educated through books and shows, show support to Asian-owned businesses, and honor the 22.2 million Asians and 1.6 million Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders living in the United States.