May is coming up, and with May comes Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! Thanks to this month, dedicated time is given to celebrate the unique cultures of these communities, as well as the significant impact they have had on history.
Currently, AAPI is celebrated throughout the entire month of May. However, when the commemoration was first introduced in 1979, it lasted for a mere 10 days from May 4 to May 14. The consideration for this observance was first introduced in 1977 by Daniel Inouye, a senator of Hawaii, and Frank Horton, a representative from New York. Unfortunately, the proposition did not make it far in Congress until President Carter signed a seven-day dedication for the first week of May in 1978.
During this month, there is a surplus of events and places to go that provide knowledge and resources on the history of these groups. For example, if you want to go somewhere in Oregon, there is an annual food festival on May 17-18 at the Stoller Family Estate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you can enjoy delicious AAPI recipes and cuisines. Or you could make your way down to the Hillsboro Community AAPI Month Town Hall on Thursday, May 1. Not only do we have these events here in Oregon, but our very own Asian Conversation club at TuHS is hoping to host a week-long celebration of AAPI month, as well as provide fun and educational field trips for club members.
Mai Yokoi, a sophomore at TuHS and Asian Conversation club member, shared how she is looking forward to this upcoming heritage month.
“Heritage Month is like opening a present for me,” she said. “It allows me to explore diverse cultures and make new connections with people, and it is an opportunity to deeply love pretty cultures! Celebrating such a unique month makes every moment feel special.”
May provides an incredible opportunity to celebrate these rich cultures. There is so much history and many traditions to be learned about the Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian cultures. Not only that, but the celebrations do not disappoint. Don’t miss out, and go see them for yourself!
