May is Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, more commonly known by the acronym AAPI Month. Many cultures have days or months celebrating their heritage. Black History Month happens every February, the Native Americans celebrate a heritage month every November, and Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every September. But why do people dedicate an entire month to celebrating their history and culture? Why is it so important for people to remember where they came from?
In a country as diverse and populous as the United States, it is important that these cultural celebrations happen. They tell the story of each ethnic group, how they came here, and recognize their unique and rich properties. AAPI Month, specifically, can help educate people on how Asian Americans came to the Americas, and how they contributed to the American spirit and culture while revolutionizing trade and transportation with the advent and construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.
These heritages also help educate others on the challenges and adversities that these ethnic groups face. Minorities in this country have historically suffered from abuse and racial discrimination. Black Americans were brought over as slaves, had their freedoms stripped away, killed for the color of their skin, suffered the humiliations of segregation, and still suffer from the effects of the past. Asian Americans were banned outright from entering the United States, hanged for “taking” American jobs, and were otherwise abused and taken advantage of for cheap labor. Other ethnic groups in the USA have similar histories of discrimination and mistreatment that they still suffer from today. These heritage months help shed light on these events and help others who may not understand their positions to learn.
Hopefully, with enough progress made, there will not need to be a debate over the importance of heritage months. Every culture deserves to be celebrated in this ever-changing landscape of America. This country was built on the backs of immigrants, and so it is imperative to acknowledge the contributions and experiences of the many ethnic groups that live in America.