This month, we proudly celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. There are 31 days to recognize the contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have given to our country’s development and diversity.
Sharyl Kato, Chair of the Wisconsin Organization for Asian Americans, reflects on the importance of this observance. “As a third generation Japanese American, I am thrilled and proud to recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage month! I hope that many different communities will celebrate ALL the wonderful accomplishments Asian Americans have contributed to our local, statewide, national and world-wide communities. I hope too that these contributions will be celebrated and appreciated by all children as well. We have accomplished much but have a way to go in achieving equity. Asian Americans experience micro aggression, stereotypes and racial assaults continue with some individuals, groups and institutions. We are often seen as invisible, not a protected class, and yet, we are also viewed as “foreign” no matter how many generations we have been here. I remain hopeful.”
Did you know?
Asian / Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
To learn more about the several activities happening to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, click here.
We enrich and strengthen our communities’ culture and well-being by embracing celebrations such as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and we pass these traditions on to coming generations.
