Celebrating our Shared History: AAPI Heritage Month
Tuesday, May 4th, 2021
![AdobeStock_330664372-[Converted].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e507d1a134ad165dcc0f0bf/1620181773898-JL2C6HUJJIU1KKAZ9US1/AdobeStock_330664372-%5BConverted%5D.png)
Since 1990, the United States has recognized May as AAPI Heritage Month, during which residents acknowledge the historic impact, achievements, and significance of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The celebration first came about in the form of an AAPI Heritage Week, the result of a resolution signed by Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Y. Mineta in 1977, and a joint resolution signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. AAPI Heritage Week was extended to a month in 1990, under a bill signed by George H.W. Bush. A public law was later passed in 1991, designating May as the official Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by 1992.
Though Asians and Pacific Islanders’ presence in the States reaches much further back in time (the first documented Asians in the U.S. were a group of Filipinos in 1587), it was in May of 1843 when the first Japanese immigrant (a 14-year-old boy named Manjiro) arrived in the United States, and in May when the first transcontinental railroad was completed—an endeavor made possible by over 20,000 Chinese workers. As such, it is a month marked by monumental history. It is celebrated by a diverse and vibrant group of peoples whose cultures and histories compose an extraordinary global tapestry. It is during this time that we uplift our AAPI diasporas and underscore their presence as being not only historically impactful, but also deeply meaningful.
And in a time when crimes against the AAPI community are a prevalent and looming threat, this time has become a tremendously compelling and much-needed reminder—a reminder of the identities and cultures that hate could not blot out. In the midst of doubt and confusion, rage and terror, senseless violence and bitter words, we remain steadfast and we remain glorious. We are both quiet and boldly resounding, a gentle mountain that proclaims a mighty victory. We stand for one another—for every individual who carries the lifeblood of generations, and for the rich culture and history that they represent. No person is an island, but every person is a galaxy. This month, we celebrate the vast constellations of people who identify as AAPI, and we call upon our communities to rally against a roaring storm, to rise with a strength and pride that has withstood and will withstand the tests of history. We will not only survive, but thrive, and with every struggle we will emerge stronger.
Share your story with us!
May is AAPI Heritage Month, and KRC honors and celebrates all of our AAPI brothers and sisters, and will be kicking off a month-long celebration of us!
With the current rise in anti-AAPI hate, and continued violence against the Black and Brown communities and other marginalized groups, it is especially important that we stand together, and combat all this hatred with positivity and love and unity.
Which is why we will be highlighting not just stories from our Korean community but from all our API communities. If you would like to participate and share your story, please fill out the form and we will reach out to you for an interview.