In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and the contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed May 10, 1869.
In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration that is now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:
- Support our local Asian American or Pacific Islander community
- Explore our Asian American or Pacific Islander history
- Read a Book with Connections to Asian American or Pacific Islander culture
- Watch a Movie Produced by an Asian American or Pacific Islander creator
- Make some Asian American or Pacific Islander food
- Visit or get takeout food from your favorite Asian American or Pacific Island restaurant
- Try Origami
- Make Bubble Tea at Home
Learn how to use chopsticks!
