National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories and incredible cultural contributions of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia who have helped shape America and are instrumental in its future success.
The month of May has been designated as AAPI Heritage Month as a special time to honor, embrace and stand with the more than 24 million Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders living in communities throughout the United States. The month of May was also chosen because it commemorates May 1843 – when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S. – and marked the May 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad, which would not have been possible without the contributions of Chinese Americans.
This year’s theme is “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future" . The 2024 theme is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities. It embodies the spirit of our collective journey – one rooted in resilience and hope – and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.
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