Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024

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A Diverse Population

In the 2000 U.S. Census, the Federal Government defines “Asian American” to include persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent. “Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander” includes Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Guamanian or Chamorro, Fijian, Tongan, or Marshallese peoples and encompasses the people within the United States jurisdictions of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The AANHPI is a diverse population of more than 24.7 million Americans that includes about 50 ethnic groups with roots in more than 40 countries.

A Fast Growing Group

Each year, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) selects the theme for the observance of AANHPI Heritage Month. This year’s theme is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation, which highlights FAPAC’s efforts to support and advance leaders in the government. The theme pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our country’s AANHPI history and continues to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership. AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements and social/political change, through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.

Advancing AANHPI Leaders

Celebrating Asian Heritage Around the World

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Littler Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - 2024 | Littler Mendelson P.C.

What Everyone Should Know About Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Here’s why we recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and what you should know about it.

The AANHPI population is projected to be the fastest-growing major population category over the next half century. Currently, about 7% of the U.S. population is made up of AANHPI Americans. From 2000 to 2019, the U.S. AANHPI population grew 88%, making it the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the country. Among the entire U.S., Hawaii claims the highest percentage (56%) of AANHPI residents, while in the contiguous U.S., California has the greatest at 17%. In addition, more than 10% of all U.S. businesses are owned by AANHPI citizens, including 577,835 Asian-owned businesses and 6,653 owned by Americans of Pacific Islander and/or Native Hawaiian descent.

The seeds of AANHPI Heritage Month were sown in the mid-1970s by a congressional staffer who wanted everyone to know about the contributions and histories of Asian immigrants in the U.S. Jeanie Jew’s great-grandfather, M.Y. Lee, immigrated from China in the 1800s and helped build the transcontinental railroad. She urged Rep. Frank Horton (R-NY) to recognize Asian and Pacific Americans. In June 1977, Rep. Horton and Japanese American Rep. Norman Mineta (D-Calif.) introduced a resolution to designate the first 10 days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. On Oct. 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution designating May 4-11 as such. In 1990, George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend the week to Asian Pacific Heritage Month. On May 1, 2009, a proclamation signed by President Barack Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions and influence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history, culture and achievements, and how AANHPI immigrants have been integral to American history. The month of May was chosen to honor AANHPI Americans because May 7, 1843, marked the first immigration to the U.S. by a Japanese immigrant. Also, the first transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, with the help of up to 20,000 Chinese workers who helped lay the tracks.

Early Beginnings

Recognizing Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders

Asian heritage is also celebrated in other countries around the world. In May 2002, the Canadian government signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. Asian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Canadians to the growth and prosperity of Canada. South Asian Heritage Month is a month-long celebration in the United Kingdom to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian history and culture, as well as to better understand the diverse heritage that continues to link the UK and South Asia. It was designated by the House of Commons in July 2019 and is celebrated annually from mid-July through mid-August.