Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities during the month of May. In 1977, U.S. Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mineta of California asked President Jimmy Carter to proclaim the first 10 days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese who came to the country in May of 1843, and to mark the May 1869 completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, with many of the laborers being Chinese immigrants. In the next year, President Carter expanded this observance to be celebrated annually. Presidential proclamations resulted in 1990, 1991 and 1992 for the whole month of May to be recognized. Then, in 1992, U.S. Congress through Public Law officially designated May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.”
Based on the 2020 Census, 20.6 million people identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. This does not include those who have multiracial and multiethnic backgrounds. Therefore, the diversity of AANHPI communities cannot be ignored and understated. The resilience and persistence of AANHPI communities have left and continue to leave a legacy that enriches American culture and history. In the UNM HSC Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we believe that AANHPI cultural enrichment within our country, and more locally, The University of New Mexico, should be celebrated and more recognized widely.
Learn more about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.