Today, May 1, is the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander (“AAPI”) Heritage Month. The communities celebrated during AAPI Heritage Month have origins in many countries, including the entirety of the Asian continent, as well as the countries and territories that make up the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
May is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in the U. S., and to recognize their achievements, share their stories, and foster understanding and respect for their heritage.
AAPI heritage was first recognized nation-wide in 1978, when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation. In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first Black and Asian American woman Vice President of the United States, and the first Black and Asian American candidate of a major party for President in 2024.