By April 28, 2022 Community
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a celebration of all Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This year’s theme, announced by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), is: Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration. May is a significant month for the AAPI community because we also observe the first migration of Japanese people to the United States on May 7th, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, constructed mainly by Chinese people, on May 10th, 1869. While May has importance for the community, the acknowledgment and celebration of all AAPI members lasts through every day.
Below, you will find resources that discuss what AAPI Heritage Month means as well as local nonprofits to the Greater Seattle area.
Every day members of AAPI face harassment, threats, racism and hate, and it is up to all of us to speak up and stand with our community members. We cannot fix the problem right away but we can all take steps forward together on this journey. Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Resources:
Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at Seattle Center on May 1
Asianpacificheritage.gov- To learn about different events happening throughout May
Anti-Defamation League – Learning resources for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Federal Asian Pacific American Council – A background on this year’s theme of “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration”
Intentionalist – Search for local Asian and Pacific Islander owned businesses to support with your dollars.
Local Non Profits:
Asian Counseling and Referral Service – Local Seattle chapter that promotes social justice and the well-being for Asian American Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.
AAPI Women Lead – and the #Imreadymovement aim to strengthen the political and social platforms of Asian American Pacific Islander platforms while bringing empowerment to AAPI women, girls, and gender expansive communities.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center – Located in Pierce County, the APCC serves as an interactive cultural crossroads between local and international communities, and represents 47 countries and cultures.