Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of have made to American history, society, and culture.

First established in 1978 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, the celebration was expanded to "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month” in 1990. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. 

What's in a name?

Exploring the origin and evolution of "AANHPI"

Throughout May, it’s likely you’ll see celebration events under many names and acronyms, including AAPI; Asian American; APIDA; Asian; Asian Diaspora Heritage Month; and AANHPI. While often used interchangeably, each term has its own meaning and history depending on who you ask, and when in history. In the following article we explore the evolution of the names used to solidify a movement and combat the history of American Imperialism and modern racist stereotypes.

Discover: What's in a Name? The origin and evolution of "AANHPI"

Celebrate AANHPI Month! Va'a: Voices, Ancestry & Art

11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thursday, May 9 | SU Grand Hall

The Pacific Islander, Asian, and Asian American (PIAAA) Caucus at GRC invites you to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) heritage month with us on May 9th in the Student Union! This event is open to all students and employees at the college. There will be speakers, performances, and activities, along with a resource fair of community organizations and local vendors.

See Va'a event agenda & details

Fresh Perspectives S2:E9

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Welcome to the eighth episode of Fresh Perspectives, season 2! In this installment, Mark Brown and Amanda Thomas ring in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) with Leilani Salu, assistant director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tune in as she shares her unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

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Fresh Perspectives was awarded a silver Medallion Award in Nov. 2023 and a gold Parragon Award in March 2024.

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