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Recognizing
Asian Americans
and Pacific Islanders
A Diverse Population
In 2000, “Asian” and “Pacific Islander” became two separate racial categories on the U.S. Census, replacing “Asian Pacific Islander.” Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) describes a diverse population of more than 23 million Americans that include about 50 ethnic groups with roots in more than 40 countries.
The U.S. government categorizes AAPI Americans as “all people of Asian, Asian American or Pacific Islander ancestry” who trace their origins to the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).
A Fast Growing Group
Each year, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) selects the theme for the observance of AAPIHM. This year’s theme is Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration, which highlights FAPAC’s efforts to support and advance leaders in the federal and D.C. governments. FAPAC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander employees. Since 1985, FAPAC has promoted equal opportunity and cultural diversity for AAPI workers in the public service and government workforce.
Advancing AAPI Leaders
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 (SAHM) 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.
Celebrating Asian
Heritage Around the World
To show your support of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, download a virtual meeting background at
Littler Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - 2022 | Littler Mendelson P.C.
What Everyone Should Know
About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Here’s why we recognize
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and what you should know about it.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) recognizes and celebrates the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to U.S. history, culture and achievements. Asian immigrants have been integral to American history.
The month of May was chosen to honor Asian American and Pacific Islanders 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
The AAPI population is projected to be the fastest-growing major population category over the next half century. Currently, 7.3% of the U.S. population is made up of AAPI Americans. From 2000 to 2019, the U.S. AAPI population grew 88%, making it the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the country. California claims the highest percentage (17%) of AAPI residents. In addition, more than 10% of all U.S. businesses are owned by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, including 577,835 Asian-owned businesses and 6,653 owned by Americans of Pacific Islander and/or Native Hawaiian descent.
The seeds of AAPI 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.
