Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is recognized during the month of May to celebrate the significant contributions and influences Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans have had on the history and culture of the United States.
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.
American Corner Trieste Calendar
18/05, 11 am – Adult Read Aloud – reading and discussing Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan on FacebookLIVE ACTS.
25/05, 11 am – Documentary - Home from the Eastern Sea: The Story of Asian Immigration to America (58 minutes) - The video documents the history of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino families arriving in the US. Documentary FREE anytime on eLibraryUSA - Kanopy with your temporary remote access code or on 25/05 on American Corner Home Theater FB
RESOURCES
Official AAPI Heritage Month Site
A compilation of U.S. Government resources, including historical collections, art exhibitions, and educational resources from the Smithsonian Institution, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Archives, Library of Congress, National Park Service, and more.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
This site provides articles for teachers on how to address anti-Asian racism with students in light of recent attacks. It also has a video series that breaks down common stereotypes, inspiring stories from the AAPI community, and online exhibitions.