Why is the Month of May Proclaimed Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

by Grayling Holmes

Almost half a century ago, in furtherance of the Civil Rights Movement, America “suddenly” realized that we were not just a nation of BLACKS and WHITES; indeed we were and are a rainbow culture. We began to recognize contributions of Americans as multifaceted as its innumerable hues.  The palette of recognition first splashed itself with color in 1977.  It was then that Congress introduced several bills to proclaim the first ten days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week.  By 1979, the canvas filled out and a resolution was passed and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter.

Like many similar observances, what was once a week grew into a month.  In 1990, Congress passed a law expanding it to a month for that year. Later, in 1992, under the first President Busch, Congress passed a law annually designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Now, Joe Biden’s administration refers to May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

But why the month of May?

May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843.  Additionally, May marks the date of the transcontinental railroad being completed on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks for this enormous undertaking were immigrants from China.

Decades passed before Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders would play active roles in shaping policy. Key factors were the Black Freedom Movement and the Asian American Movement. First came the Black Freedom Movement — the dedicated insistence for Black Americans of racial justices for Black Americans. It had momentum through the middle of the 20th century and culminated in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s.

The second factor in the designation of May as the month where we recognize a “forgotten” population segment happened in the 1970’s with the Asian American Movement. It was a grassroots nationwide political mobilization of people from different communities and backgrounds, mostly Japanese American, Chinese American, and Filipino Americans. This movement took direct inspiration from the Black Power and Anti-War movements of the 1960’s with their demand for civil rights and groundswell of opposition to military interventions in Southeast Asia such as the Vietnam War.

All of this was fertile ground for what bloomed in the month of May in the 70’s. The April showers of the past reaped a harvest in the May of today, in which multiculturalism is put on full display — a month where this vital part of the “American melting pot” can NOW be SEEN.

Ideas & Activities to Celebrate AAPI History Month

(Source: Akila McConnell)

1. Host a Chinese Tea Brewing & Tasting

Perfect for virtual teams with a budget, host a tea party! Enjoy the tastes and history of traditional Chinese tea with a Chinese Tea Brewing and Tasting class.

Led by a tea sommelier, your team will be guided throughout the entire brewing process. Plus, each team member will be sent a tea kit including a Gaiwan, a Ming dynasty ceremonial brewing bowl. This way, you’ll be ready with all that you need when joining the virtual class!

Learn the international history of tea, the proper techniques of tasting, tips of assessing teas, and more! Ending with a Q&A, this one hour experience will be sure to answer every tea question you may have.

By the end, everyone will develop a more intimate relationship with drinking tea. Plus, you each will have the supplies needed to continue your new expertise long past the tasting class.

2. Virtually Visit Sites and Museums Showcasing AAPI Art and History

Visiting a museum is a great way to honor people of our past and present. It’s also a great way to learn more about different cultures and ways of life. Take a step to further your knowledge by visiting a museum or cultural site that authentically showcases AAPI cultures and artists.

Many museums and historical sites offer virtual exhibits focusing on AAPI arts, architecture, and more. Together, your team can traverse exhibitions and virtual walking tours to learn about a plethora of AAPI cultures near and far.

MUSEUMS & SITES AROUND THE WORLD WITH VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AAPI CULTURES:

3. Attend a Local Festival or Market

Attending locally led festivals and events is a great way to connect with and learn about different communities. Partake in appreciation of AAPI culture by attending a community celebration led by your area’s local groups.

Community festivals often highlight all corners of a culture’s vibrance. From booths showcasing traditional art forms and trades, to live music, films, and cuisine! Festivals are a hub for all interests. As a result, each of your team members is sure to find something to enjoy.

Consider researching local events happening in your area that you can promote amongst your team. We suggest looking on Facebook’s events tab or sites like Eventbrite for easy access to finding events happening near you.

Furthermore, schedule time as a team to share experiences following an event. By making time to reflect with one another, you can learn even more from each person’s experience!

4. Start Learning A New Language

Over 4 billion people speak an Asian language across the globe. Pay respect to AAPI cultures while encouraging a new useful skill by learning one of the over 2,000 Asian languages!

While your team isn’t expected to master a language in one month, you can learn a few basic words and phrases to grow your communication skills. There are multiple ways to host language lessons, making it a great fit for any team.

Post a word of the day in the office or share with the team via email. Or, schedule weekly meetings during the month to practice together. In addition, you may have a team member that speaks one of these languages who would enjoy leading practice sessions for the team. With over half the world speaking an Asian language, be sure to ask your team!

Language lessons are a great way to learn a new side of cultures while building your team’s listening and communication skills. Plus, you may even open the door to expanding your business opportunities with more bilingual team members.

5. Create Art Influenced by Asian & Pacific Islander Cultures

AAPI cultures have influenced the art world for centuries. Get creative with inspired art pieces of your own!

Host an AAPI artist-led class for the team to learn a traditional craft or two from AAPI cultures. For example, hire a master crafter to teach the team the folding art of origami. Or, follow a video tutorial on the art form of calligraphy.

Once you determine your art form, gather your needed supplies. Then, choose a time to come together to learn and create. If your team is virtual, send employees supply kits or a list of items to pick up before your video call.

Craft classes make a fantastic group activity for all skill levels. Plus, use the opportunity to learn the history behind the art form. While you’ll enjoy the fun, don’t forget the crafts are rooted in thousands of years of tradition.

6. Work with Businesses Owned by Asian & Pacific Islanders

Another way to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is to incorporate working with AAPI-owned businesses. As a team, evaluate what companies you regularly do business with throughout your work. Then, determine how you may expand your list to incorporate businesses with Asian American & Pacific Islander representation.

On a large scale, consider doing business with AAPI-led companies throughout your entire portfolio. Or, look to hire AAPI-owned businesses for upcoming projects or on-going needs.

On a smaller scale, you can make quick switches to support AAPI businesses. For instance, purchase the coffee and snacks you provide for employees from an AAPI-owned brand. Or, source your office supplies and art from AAPI-owned vendors.

Working with AAPI businesses is a great way to invest in AAPI communities. By making a financial commitment to supporting Asian American-owned businesses on an ongoing basis, your team can create lasting impact.

7. Listen and Learn via Podcast

Podcasts are a great way to learn something new. And, listening to a podcast is a great way to hear voices and stories directly from specific communities.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by listening to an AAPI-led podcast as a team. This works great for all teams, as you can listen anytime, anywhere.

For this activity, send out a list of AAPI-led podcasts in a team email or chat thread. Or, engage your team by taking suggestions of series that may already be a group favorite.

Take a vote and set a date for each team member to finish the episode. Then, share your reflections as a team during a group meeting. Plus, you don’t have to stop at one episode. Continue listening together through a whole series if there’s interest!

You can find many AAPI-led podcasts on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

A FEW AAPI-LED PODCASTS TO GET YOUR LIST STARTED:

  • Asian American: The Ken Fong Podcast: Hosted by Ken Fong. Explore culture, history, and spirituality through interviews with culture-makers in the Asian American community.

  • The AuthEthnic Podcast: Bringing authenticity to ethnicity, this series focuses on a range of unfiltered discussions on race, social issues, and the Asian American experience.

  • Dear Workplace: Hosted by Monica H. Kang, a workplace creativity expert, untangle workplace problems while diving into workplace trends, changes, and challenges.

  • Legends From The Pacific: This series documents the folklore tales and traditions from Pacific Island nations across Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

8. Learn the South Asian Heritage of Yoga

Did you know that yoga originated in India? Partake in this 5,000 year-old practice and learn its South Asian heritage together as a team!

Attend a live class with an instructor or follow a video routine from your own spaces. When planning your session, look to select a traditional routine that honors the roots of the practice. Due to yoga becoming a widely popular exercise routine, the heritage of the practice can easily be lost.

Great for in-person or virtual teams, you can enjoy a yoga session from anywhere! Opt for a shorter class on our lunch break, or a longer class to destress from the work day.

Plus, this is a great way to encourage employee wellness. Doubling as both exercise and meditation, this activity is great for your team’s overall health!

9. Start a Book Club

Reading works by Asian and Pacific Islander authors is a meaningful way to honor AAPI Heritage Month. Start a team book club to bring their voices to the center of your conversations.

First, have club members vote on the book before the month starts. Check out Literary Hub’s 34 Books for AAPI Heritage Month (and all months) for ideas. Second, set a date for all readers to finish the book. Then, meet to discuss the group’s take-aways.

Furthermore, encourage employees to purchase their book from a locally AAPI-owned bookstore. Not only will you secure a great book, you will be financially contributing to the AAPI community’s ongoing success.

Check out this list of bookstores to support across several states. Can’t find a local business near you? Consider buying copies for your team online using Bookshop.org. When searching, filter for “Asian-American & Pacific Islander-owned Bookstores” in the store locator tool.

10. Watch Movies & TV Shows with Asian American Characters, Directors, & More

This AAPI History Month, watch movies and TV shows with your team in which Asian Americans play a central role – whether or not they focus around Asian culture!

Some movies & TV shows with Asian American characters that don’t specifically focus on Asian American culture include Ms. Marvel, The Mindy Project, and Never Have I Ever.

Watch together on a group call. Or, encourage team members to watch on their own and come together afterward to discuss.

11. Create an Interactive Map

Map your team’s ties to Asian countries around the globe with an interactive map activity! This is a great icebreaker for teams looking to add an activity to a busy schedule.

To start the activity, print or create a shared document with a global map. Then, encourage team members to pin or color in countries that they have a connection to. Or, take it a step further and create a map key with an array of symbols representing different types of personal links.

A FEW MAP KEY SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:

  • Place of family origin

  • Where family currently lives

  • Locations traveled to

  • Bucket list locations

  • Previous countries live in

  • Places traveled to for work

Once complete, share or display the collective map for your team to reflect on. Plus, be sure to encourage conversations around people’s mark locations. An interactive map will expand your team’s global thinking and may even begin new connections founded on similar answers.

12. Learn Chinese Calligraphy Together

Learn about and practice the ancient art of hand lettering with your team with a beginner calligraphy class! Calligraphy can serve as a tool for communication, a work of art, and a unique way to learn about Chinese history.

Try an online class where supplies are mailed directly to each team member. Typical supplies include a soft brush calligraphy pen, ink, and calligraphy paper.

Then, you can all take part in an online class together. For instance, ClassBento offers an online calligraphy class taught by Jojo Liu, a California-based art instructor who will demonstrate how to hold the brush, write basic strokes, and more.

Ways to Celebrate AAPI at St. Louis Public Libraries

The theme “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation” seeks to highlight members of the AANHPI community who have made significant and important contributions to AANHPI history and American society as a whole.

Pioneers, creative trendsetters and groundbreaking innovators from the AANHPI community have shaped our nation’s economy, political consciousness, artistic landscape and technological growth. Many of these leaders have faced significant cultural and systemic challenges. This theme seeks to honor their enduring spirits and unique stories.

DROP-IN MAHJONG GAMING |May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 / 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Learn Mahjong, a classic board game from Asia. Kids and teens can play and snack while learning about the history of this game in China. Grades 4-12 and Families

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO TÁI CHI | May 2, 9, 23 & 30 / 6:30-7:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Join instructors Patti Gabriel and Tom Krapu from the St. Louis Tái Chi Chúan Association for an introduction to Tái Chi. Participants will learn about the health and stress reduction benefits of Tái Chi as well as being guided through the first few postures in the form. A waiver will be needed to participate. Registration recommended but not required. Adults

ANIME GAMES AND SNACKS |May 6 & 20 / 4-6 p.m. / Baden Library
Enjoy Anime based video games on the Nintendo Switch and challenge yourself to try Japanese snacks. All supplies provided. Grades 6-12

BOBA TEA HISTORY AND TASTING |May 6 / 6-7 p.m. / Cabanne Library
Learn about the history of Boba Tea and make some to try. Registration required. Adults

HENNA ART | May 9 / 4-5:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Learn about the history of Henna, an ancient body art that dates back centuries, and try some temporary designs on your arms and hands! All supplies provided. Grades 6-12

MOVIE MATINEE: “LILO & STITCH” |May 11 / 2:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Watch the Disney classic “Lilo & Stitch” and enjoy themed snacks and crafts. Afterwards, children can listen to stories while adults discuss life for Native Hawaiian Islanders today. Grades 4-8 and Families

MONDAY MOVIE NIGHT PRESENTS: “RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON” |May 13 / 4-6 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Help us celebrate Southeast Asian culture with the warrior Raya as she seeks to find the last dragon and save the world of Kumandra. Kids, Teens and Families

K-POP PAR-TEA! | May 14 / 4:30-6 p.m. / Central Library
Sip back and relax as we make K-Pop photocard keychains, listen to tea-riffic music and make our own bubble tea drinks! All materials will be provided. Grades 6-12

“MOANA” SING-ALONG | May 16 / 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Enjoy a “Moana” sing-along with our karaoke machine while learning about history of the islands of Polynesia, creating crafts, and munching on Hawaiian snacks! Grades K-8 and Families

KIMBAP COOKING CLASS: LEARN TO MAKE KOREAN SEAWEED RICE ROLLS |May 18 / 1-2:30 p.m. / Schlafly Library |May 20 / 5-6 p.m. / Julia Davis Library
Celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month by participating in these exciting kimbap cooking classes! The programs will be hosted in collaboration with the Gateway Korea Foundation. Registration required. Adults

BUDER IN BLOOM |MAY 18 |9 AM-1 PM |BUDER ELEMENTARY
Join us for our debut festival, Buder in Bloom, to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month! We will have yoga, crafts, food, drinks and more! All Ages Rain or shine! This is a free event to attend, except for food at the food truck. This program is made possible with collaboration from: The Missouri Botanical Gardens, Gateway Urdu, The Japanese American Society of St. Louis, Buder Elementary, STL Kari Virunthu Food Truck and more!

HANDS-ON JAPANESE ART SHOWCASE: ORIGAMI |May 23 / 3-5 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Try your hand at the art of origami, demonstrated by volunteers from the Japan America Society of Saint Louis. Supplies provided! All Ages

HANDS-ON JAPANESE ART SHOWCASE: CALLIGRAPHY (SHODŌ)|May 25 / 10 a.m.-Noon / Carpenter Library
Try your hand at the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy, demonstrated by volunteers from the Japan America Society of Saint Louis. Supplies provided! All Ages

FANCIFUL FANS | May 25 / 10:30 a.m.-Noon / Carondelet Library
Learn about the traditions and decorations of fans in Asian culture and decorate your own. Registration required. Adults

MOVIE MATINEE: “TURNING RED” |May 25 / 2:30-4:30 p.m. / Baden Library
Enjoy the Disney fi lm “Turning Red.” Children can create themed crafts and munch on Panda snacks. Grades 4-8 and Families

LION DANCE PERFORMANCE |May 26 / 1:30-2:15 p.m. / Schlafly Library
Watch a traditional Lion Dance performed by Zyi Li Music and Entertainment. Afterwards, stay and make your own lion craft to take home. Please arrive promptly. All Ages

MOVIE MATINEE: “BIG HERO 6” |May 30 / 3:30-4:30 p.m. / Walnut Park Library
Enjoy the Disney fi lm “Big Hero 6” and discuss the Pan-Pacifi c futurist theme. Children can create themed crafts and munch on Japanese snacks. Grades K-8

FLOAT YOUR BOAT: BUOYANCY LAB |May 30 / 4-5:30 p.m. / Carpenter Library
Did you know that Polynesian navigators have been using canoes to travel long distances for thousands of years? Learn what makes a good canoe, boat or raft. We’ll use a number of household materials to learn about buoyancy, construction and even navigation! Grades 4-12 and Families

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