President Lyndon B. Johnson said: “This land flourished because it was fed from so many sources - because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples.” Johnson’s belief that this country’s strength is derived from its diversity is echoed in the annual celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a tribute to the enormous cultural and historical contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to the diverse tapestry of the United States. In 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450, which designated May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May was specifically chosen for two reasons: it coincides with the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May, 1843, and the Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, a feat largely achieved through the back breaking labor of 20,000 Chinese immigrants. The theme for the 2025 celebration is: “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” This theme, chosen by The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), honors “the hard work of AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity.” Click here to learn more about FAPAC and the annual theme; click here to connect with fun events in NYC and Westchester; and click on the book jackets below to be taken to links in our catalog. Through knowledge comes appreciation and respect.
“Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.” Kamala Harris
“To live an ethical life is to be held accountable for history.” Cathy Park Hong
Last Modified May 24, 2025