Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Since 1991, May has been recognized as Asian Pacific American Month, with its observance becoming permanent in 1992. In May of 2021, Former President Biden officially proclaimed the month as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. We celebrate their profound impact on our shared nation, honoring the perseverance and courage of those who reached for their hopes and dreams, acknowledging their contributions as integral to this country. We also recognize that there is a vast and rich diversity within the AANHPI community – from cultural, linguistic, historical, religious, and traditional differences.
The theme for this year is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience", “honoring the hard work of AANHPI leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.” Federal Asian Pacific American Council
Jenny R. Yang, former Chair of the EEOC said, “The history of AANHPI's in the United States is not always fully told in our history books, but the contributions of this community to advancing equal rights is significant. We recognize that the history of the United States would not be the same without the continuous and integral participation to the building of this nation by AANHPIs.”
“Asians first came to America tens of thousands of years ago across the Bering land bridge. And much later in the 16th century when Filipinos joined Spanish crews crossing the Pacific and exploring North America.” depts.washington.edu
Their achievements continue to “make the world a better place and create a brighter future for everyone”. AMI/Federal Asian Pacific American Council, 2020.
Did you know that Asia is an incredibly diverse continent? There are 53 countries in Asia, with a total population of over 5 billion people that speak more than 2,300 languages!
Some of the countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands include but are not limited to: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, India, Japan, Timor Leste, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Brunei, and Vietnam.
Some well-known Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders that you may have heard of include:
- I M Pei (Architect)
- Vera Wang (fashion designer)
- Yo-Yo Ma (classical musician)
- Bruno Mars (pop musician)
- Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN chief medical correspondent & physician)
- Ken Jeong (comedian, actor, producer, writer, and licensed physician)
- Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (musician)
- Naomi Osaka (tennis player)
- Connie Chung (journalist and reporter)
- Joyce Chen (author and chef)
- George Takei (Actor, author, and activist)
Some ideas for this month:
- Visit the Smithsonian Museum virtually. There are podcasts, articles, and youtube videos to check out!: Smithsonian AANHPI Month
- The National Archives has blog posts, articles, research links, and presidential proclamations: National Archives AANHPI Month
- Visit your local library and find books for children and for adults by Asian authors.
- Attend events to learn more about the complete and complex history of Asia and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities here in the United States
- Look for different events and activities that focus on various Asian countries and cultures.
- Explore museums with your children and look for different exhibits focusing on various Asian countries and cultures.
Books:
The NY Public Library has a series of book recommendations broken down by age group:
Social Justice Books has their list divided by age group:
Copper Dog Books in Beverly also has a list, however it is not divided by age group:
Children’s Books:
The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yang: Inspired by the author’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this is a story of the history and love of an intergenerational family.
Vietnamese Children’s Favorite Stories by Phuoc Thi Minh Tran: Minnesota’s first Vietnamese librarian authors this award-winning collection of Vietnamese folklores and legends.
Filipino Children’s Favorite Stories: Fables, Myths and Fairy Tales by Liana Romulo: This beautiful book presents a collection of 13 legends and tales from the Philippines.
Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories: Anniversary Edition by Florence Sakade: A pioneer of English-language publishing in Japan, Sakade presents this collection of 20 stories from Japanese folklore that have been passed down for generations.
Korean Children’s Favorite Stories: Fables, Myths and Fairy Tales by Kim So-Un:
This collection of Korean children’s stories features tales passed down for generations. Many of the tales reveal the human-like qualities of animals and the animal-like qualities of humans showing us the impact of empathy and kindness.
Juna’s Jar by Jane Bahk: The inspiration for Juna’s Jar DIY activity, this story stars a Korean American child named Juna and her best friend who love to create collections of found treasures in empty kimchi jars.
When Lola Visits: by Michelle Sterling: In this book filled with the scents, tastes, and traditions of family memories, a child describes the excitement of her grandmother's annual summer visit from the Philippines. After you read, head out on a search for scents in the natural world.
Long Hair and the Waterfall: Told by Circle Round - Gather and listen to this tale originating from China, told on one of our favorite podcasts, Circle Round about a tall mountain, a big radish, and the magic of giving back to your community.
Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories: Fables, Myths and Fairy Tales by Mingle Yip
This collection of 13 Chinese folktales is retold by author and illustrator Mingmei Yip, inspired by the stories her father told her as a child. The tales feature themes of kindness and compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Hi’iaka Battles the Wind by Gabrielle Ahuli'i: In this retelling of one of Hawaii’s legends, Hiiaka uses her powers to confront the wind, which has caused destruction in Waipio alley. This origin story of the seasons, of day and night, gives a glimpse into the rich storytelling history of Hawaiian culture.
Too Many Mangos by Tammy Paikai: Inspired by the author’s childhood experiences in Hawaii, two children delight in picking mangos with their grandfather. Discovering they picked too many for the two of them, they share their mangos with their community.
Sina and the Magical Eel by Reverend Felefatu Enari: Reverend Felefatu Enari retells this beloved legend that has shaped Samoan identity. The tale of Sina and her friendship with an eel explains the origins of the first coconut tree.
We need to stand up against any form of racism toward our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. We decry and condemn anti-Asian violence, intolerance, discrimination, and racism faced by AANHPI communities We know that our strength as a nation lies in our diversity, as we are united and stand with our AANHPI community.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” ― Lao Tzu
“The power of visibility can never be underestimated.” ― Margaret Cho
“A lot of times, people think of Asian culture as some mythical world instead of modern people with modern occupations with modern problems, modern tools. Like, we’re not all just talking Taoism and kung fu – some people are just trying to get over their breakup with their boyfriend, and they’re Facebook-stalking.” Constance Wu
“I’m neither half white nor half Asian. I’m full both.” Henry Golding
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