Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month

May was formally declared as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in 1992 to honor the hardships and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in American history.  

AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States in May 1843 – hence AAPI Heritage Month being May. It also celebrates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, made possible by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants whose story is often untold.  

According to the Pew Research Center, a record 23 million Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia, as well as the Indian subcontinent. 

There are many ways you can learn about and connect with Asian American Pacific Islander communities and traditions in May and throughout the year. Below is a list to help you get started:

• Learn more about AAPI Heritage Month at AsianPacificHeritage.gov. 
• Attend the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Seattle Center. It's scheduled for Saturday May 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Armory Food & Events Hall. 
• Visit the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) in Tacoma and check out the many events they offer year-round. 
• Visit a virtual museum dedicated to AAPI heritage such as the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in Manhattan’s Chinatown, or the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. 
• Enjoy dinner or take-out at a local Asian or Pacific Islander restaurant. 
• Visit the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center to learn about AAPI culture and art. You can also learn about citizenship stories of Asian Americans 
• Learn about Asian American actors, activists, and other performers in Asian American Storytellers. 
• Take an in-person or virtual Asian cuisine cooking class on Asian cuisine. 

 Please join us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with our local Asian American Pacific Islander communities.