Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

Did you know the entire month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month? The purpose of heritage months in the United States is to celebrate and recognize underrepresented and marginalized groups. It is an opportunity to learn about a new culture or identity in various ways, whether it is their beliefs, celebrating their contributions to American history, or understanding ways in which they are oppressed, to name a few. This is a month for us to acknowledge and grow and take that with us beyond that heritage month.

This past year, in particular, we witnessed how the AAPI has experienced stereotypes, sexualization, violence, and much more. It is not only heartbreaking but terrifying. We owe it to this community to be better allies - that starts with educating ourselves.

Let’s begin with who is part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Not many people are aware of how vast and significant this group is. Folx who identify as Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Pakistani, Thai, Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, Taiwanese, Bangleglaeshi, Burmese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Hawaiian, Samoans, Chamorros, Fijians, Palauans, and Tongans are part of the AAPI community.

How amazing is it that so many cultures make up the AAPI community? They have had such an impact on our history.

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu

There is Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, who did work for the Manhattan Project and experimental physics.

Dr. Margaret Chung

And Dr. Margaret Chung, the first Chinese American woman to not only become a physician but founded the first Western medical clinic in Chinatown in San Francisco.

Amar Bose

Then there’s Amar Bose, who was an electrical and sound engineer that went on to create the well-known brand, Bose.

🌟 Challenge yourself this month

Here are some resources to learn about at least one of these groups:

• Telling All Americans' Stories: Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (US National Park Service)
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage - Telling All Americans' Stories (US National Park Service)
• #AAPIHeritageMonth: 12 Asian & Pacific Islander Folks in Tech | by Women of Silicon Valley | 10 Questions
• Silicon Valley's Forgotten Minority