Designated by Congress in 1992, the month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. It is celebrated annually to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture.
Learn more:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Federated Asian Pacific American Council
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Who is Making Asian American Pacific Islander History in 2021?
Celebrate:
8 Ways to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month With Kids
NASA Celebrates Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Recipes to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
Listen to a Podcasts:
Self Evident: Asian America’s Stories
Suggested reading:
From NPR – Engaging With Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month
At the Stratford Library – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Reading List