Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was established by the Federal Government thirty years ago to celebrate the many contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the history and culture of the United States. The month of May was specifically chosen because it coincides with two historic events for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843; and, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, a feat largely accomplished through the back breaking labor of 20,000 Chinese immigrants. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announced that the theme for this year's commemoration is Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration. For more on this celebration, please check out the Library of Congress website and read Public Law 102-450, which officially created the month-long celebration. For further reading from home, click on book jackets below to be taken to links in our catalog.
“The American dream belongs to all of us.” Kamala Harris
“When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.” Yo-Yo Ma
Last Modified April 23, 2024