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In the late 1970s, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was celebrated in the United States. Congress expanded the observance to last the entire month of May in 1990. In 2009, Asian/Pacific American Heritage month was renamed Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. AAPI Heritage Month allows us the opportunity to spotlight the countless achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as reflect on past and current racism targeting this group.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have always faced discrimination in the United States, including the stereotype that they are “perpetual foreigners.” These stereotypes have resulted in discriminatory policies and hate crimes. In 1907 Japan and the United States entered into an informal agreement to ease tensions between the two countries. Japan agreed to deny emigration passports to Japanese laborers. In turn, Theodore Roosevelt would force San Francisco to end Japanese school segregation. During World War II, Japanese Americans’ constitutional rights were violated when nearly all were forced to leave their homes. They were incarcerated in internment camps, resulting in significant economic loss, not to mention emotional distress.
More recently, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been targeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021, the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act was passed. This act recognized the surge of hate crimes and hate incidents against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities during the pandemic. It aimed to increase public awareness and authorized grants to state and local governments to conduct hate crime-reduction programs.
According to a Pew research study released in 2021, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. This group has given us leaders in politics, the arts, and entertainment. Take some time during AAPI Heritage Month to learn more about and celebrate the achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
For additional information, presentations and concerts celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander month, visit: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
For additional reading on the history of AAPI people and the racism they have faced in the United States, visit: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Origins, Themes & Populations. |