AARP Hearing Center
More than 30 years ago, for the first time, Congress designated May as what’s now called Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a way to officially recognize and celebrate the community.
Since then, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have become the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the United States, with a population that’s expected to surpass 35 million by 2060, according to the Pew Research Center. This multicultural community encompasses people who speak more than 100 languages with roots in more than 20 countries, including China, India and the Pacific islands, such as Samoa.
This year, AAPI Heritage Month comes as the community continues to grapple with anti-Asian attacks, including against older people. But there is also plenty to celebrate.
“With the spike in anti-Asian hate and rhetoric, it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to the fabric of America,” says Roland Hwang, vice president of public affairs for OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates and cofounder of American Citizens for Justice. It’s “an opportunity for Americans to appreciate who we are, as members and contributors to society, and to celebrate that.”
Having spent much of the past two-plus years supporting COVID-19-related public health efforts, as well as combating anti-Asian hate, AAPI community members have the chance in May to celebrate being together in person.
“With everything that’s happening in our community, I’m glad we have our space and events where our communities are centered,” says Emilio Manuel Camu, whose roles include director of the Asian Link Project and director of the Pilipino American Association of Utah.
Read on for ways to observe AAPI Heritage Month.
Support Asian-owned businesses and restaurants
As pandemic restrictions ease, go out and support Asian-owned restaurants and small businesses. Many Asian neighborhoods were hard hit financially and otherwise by the COVID-19 pandemic and some saw a drop-off in business due to anti-Asian rhetoric, says Debbie Chen, executive vice president for OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates.
