May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (#APAHM), a time to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States. AAPIs are a diverse and growing group that includes people with origins from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and more. They have been part of the American story since the 1800s, and have made significant impacts in every field and sector of society.
However, AAPIs also face many challenges and barriers, such as racism, discrimination, stereotypes, violence, and invisibility. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, as AAPIs have experienced a surge of hate crimes and harassment across the country. AAPIs also face disparities in health care, education, economic opportunity, and representation.
That’s why #APAHM is more important than ever. It’s a chance to raise awareness and educate others about the AAPI community, its history, its struggles, and its achievements. It’s also a chance to celebrate the diversity and beauty of AAPI cultures, traditions, arts, and languages. It’s a chance to amplify the voices and stories of AAPIs who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. And it’s a chance to show solidarity and support for AAPIs who are facing challenges and hardships.
There are many ways you can celebrate #APAHM this May. Here are some ideas:
- Learn about the history and experiences of AAPIs in America. You can read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or visit museums that showcase AAPI perspectives and narratives. You can also check out Google Trends to see what topics and issues are trending among AAPIs.
- Support AAPI businesses and organizations. You can shop at local AAPI-owned stores or online platforms that feature AAPI products and services. You can also donate to or volunteer for AAPI-led nonprofits or advocacy groups that are working to address the needs and challenges of the AAPI community.
- Watch AAPI movies and shows. You can enjoy the latest releases or classics that feature AAPI actors, directors, writers, and stories. Some examples are Raya and the Last Dragon , Minari , The Farewell , Crazy Rich Asians , Fresh Off the Boat , Never Have I Ever , Kim’s Convenience , Master of None , The Mindy Project , and more.
- Read AAPI books and stories. You can discover new or favorite authors who write about AAPI themes, characters, and experiences. Some examples are The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan , The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen , Pachinko by Min Jin Lee , Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu , On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong , The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri , American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang , Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng , Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng , The Leavers by Lisa Ko , The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang , Frankly in Love by David Yoon , To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han , The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas , When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon , Front Desk by Kelly Yang , Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi , We Are Not Free by Traci Chee , Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay , Internment by Samira Ahmed , American Panda by Gloria Chao , The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan , The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon , Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri , Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang , Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi , They Called Us Enemy by George Takei , Almost American Girl by Robin Ha , Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang , Displacement by Kiku Hughes
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