Recognizing Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month

Monday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 31

May is Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

According to the 2020 census, an estimated 24 million people make up the AAPI community nationwide. California has the largest Asian American population in the U.S. and 30.1% of California’s Asian population resides in Los Angeles County.

In 1977, New York Representative Frank Horton proposed proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was backed by Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye. President Jimmy Carter signed it into Public Law on October 5, 1978. In 1992, under the George W. Bush administration, May was annually designated as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.

More Information on the History of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month HERE

Notable Asian American Historical Figures

• Dr. David Ho, Taiwanese American Research Physician and Virologist – at the frontlines of AIDS research and more recently, coronavirus research
• Patsy Mink, American attorney and politician from the state of Hawaii- First Asian American woman and woman of color to be elected to congress. She is credited for the passing of the Women’s Educational Equity Act to promote gender equality in schools
• Roger Tsien, biochemist and professor of chemistry and biochemistry – winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein.
• Dr. Sammy Lee, Olympic Diverand US Army physician – During the 1948 London Olympics, Lee became the first Asian American to win a gold medal for the U.S., and became the first person of color to win the Amateur Athletic Union Award in 1953

Ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month include trying new recipes and dishes from various Asian countries and discovering Asian art and Asian American history through institutions like museums and local libraries.

CLICK HERE for L.A. Museums that exhibit Asian art collections and cultural artifacts

CLICK HERE for Books to read for AAPI Heritage Month

CLICK HERE for Authentic Asian recipes to try at home

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We honor the AAPI community’s varied histories, celebrate the beauty and richness of their cultures, remain vigilant in our efforts to address discrimination and injustice, and work to create and support meaningful change for the community.