Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, there are 24 million—and counting—Asian Americans in the United States, people who trace their roots to East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia. According to the Pew Research Center, Asians are the fastest-growing ethnic group, making up about 7% cent of the total U.S. population.

Below are some resources to help educate you on this month:

Articles:

What Archaeologists Are Learning About the Lives of the Chinese Immigrants Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad | History | Smithsonian Magazine

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Origins, Themes & Populations | HISTORY

Documentaries:

Watch | Asian Americans | PBS

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Videos:

The dark history of the overthrow of Hawaii – Sydney Iaukea – YouTube

We are not a stereotype | Learning Together (smithsonianapa.org)

What Pacific Islanders Want You to Know

Websites:

OIA Blogs: Who are Pacific Islanders? | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov)

Photo credit: APASF.org