Someone has to think of an idea for it to become a reality. Many special occasions and special designations have sprung from a simple idea presented to Congress.

In 1977, a former congressional staffer, Jeanie Jew, approached Representative Frank Horton of New York with the idea of ​​designating a period of time each year for Asian Americans. She and another congressional staffer, Ruby Moy, discussed the issue with Rep. Horton and Rep. Norman Y. Mineta of California. Representatives Horton and Mineta introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asia Pacific Heritage Week. The Senate introduced a similar bill a month later by Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, both from Hawaii.

The proposed resolutions sought to designate the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month for two main reasons. The first Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843. On May 10, 1869, the Golden Spike was introduced to the First Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Point in Utah, which was completed with many Chinese workers. President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution for the celebration on October 5, 1978.

With the unanimous support of the Senate and House of Representatives, President George HW Bush signed Public Law 103-450 in October 1992 to permanently designate the entire month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May is now called Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

May is officially AAPI Heritage Month to honor the achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and to celebrate the diversity in this country. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage that is thousands of years old. They have helped shape the history of the United States. They have made significant contributions to American society in all areas, from business and politics to the arts and literature. It is appropriate to have a month to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the AAPI communities.

Over the years in the history of the United States, there have been many examples of racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. They have had to face many difficult situations where they were discriminated against and treated unfairly. However, they have persevered and come through despite the fact that racism has not completely abated. There are still instances of outright prejudice, hatred, and racism against many diverse groups, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. One of the most egregious acts of injustice was the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, when 120,000 were forcibly removed from their homes on the west coast of the continental United States and incarcerated in American concentration camps. during years. It is necessary to always be alert and continue working for the civil rights of all so that such injustices are not perpetrated against other people.

Although many AAPI Heritage Month events were canceled in May 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were virtual celebrations across the country. AAPI groups hope to hold the annual events again next year in 2021. Plans and events will be made to celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of the AAPI community.