May is the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
We celebrate the countless contributions of Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) throughout America’s history while also growing our appreciation of the spectrum of identities across the Asian/Pacific American communities. Asian/Pacific Americans make up more than 7% of the U.S. population. On the federal level, Asian/Pacific Americans only make up 3% of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a 50% gap in representation. Mark this Asian/Pacific American Heritage month by listening to and elevating the unique experiences and needs of the Asian/Pacific American community.
Take A Look At History: Learn more about the challenges and varied experiences of the Asian/Pacific American community throughout U.S. history. This month, organizations like the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress have come together to highlight the diversity of Asian/PacificAmerican experiences.Check out these resources, and find out how to access events, both in DC and from afar.
Get Educated. Learn about the specific political challenges and the current status of civic engagement across the Asian/Pacific American community by exploring recent research conducted by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund. Use these resources to deepen your understanding of how the issues that matter most to you impact members of the Asian/Pacific American community.
Start Local.Identify organizations in your own backyard that are elevating the voices of Asian/Pacific Americans this month. Find out which issues and initiatives these organizations are prioritizing and use your voice to encourage your local government officials to lend their support. Elevate the experiences of the Asian/Pacific American community!