May is a time of celebration, reflection, and acknowledgment of the vast contributions that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities have made to the United States. Designated as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this period invites all Americans to delve deeper into the cultural richness, enduring spirit, and historical narratives that these communities bring to the fabric of the nation. However, the celebration must not be confined to a single month—it should be a starting point for ongoing recognition and understanding throughout the year.
The history of AANHPI communities in the United States is layered and complex, shaped by both adversity and triumph. From the first waves of Asian immigrants in the 19th century to the resilience of Native Hawaiians preserving their cultural sovereignty and the unique identities of Pacific Islanders navigating between traditional and modern worlds, their collective experiences have enriched the nation’s diversity. The month of May was chosen deliberately, marking the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. in 1843 and commemorating the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, where Chinese laborers played a critical role under harsh and often dangerous conditions.
Asian Americans, who come from more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, encompass a wide range of languages, religions, and traditions. Similarly, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, including Samoans, Tongans, Chamorros, Fijians, and many others, maintain unique cultural heritages rooted in island traditions, oral storytelling, and deep connections to the land and ocean. Despite their differences, what unites these communities is their shared history of perseverance in the face of discrimination, marginalization, and cultural erasure.
The celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month is a reminder of these contributions and also of the challenges that persist. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the colonization of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, history bears the scars of injustice. Today, these echoes can still be felt in the form of underrepresentation, lack of cultural visibility, and systemic inequities in education, healthcare, and political representation. Moreover, the recent surge in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic served as a painful reminder that progress must be constant and intentional.
Amid these challenges, AANHPI communities have continuously risen, advocating for justice, inclusion, and recognition. They have built strong community organizations, pushed for policy changes, and made their voices heard through activism and art. From the grassroots advocacy of Filipino labor leaders like Larry Itliong to the groundbreaking political achievements of leaders like Patsy Mink—the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress—these stories deserve to be part of the national conversation not just in May but year-round.
In the arts and media, AANHPI voices are finally gaining more mainstream visibility, though much work remains. The success of films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Minari, the rise of authors such as Ocean Vuong and Celeste Ng, and the growing influence of Asian American musicians and digital creators reflect a growing demand for authentic representation. This shift helps dismantle harmful stereotypes and broadens the narrative around what it means to be Asian American or Pacific Islander in contemporary America.
Education plays a critical role in this effort. For too long, AANHPI histories have been excluded from standard American curricula, leaving generations unaware of key contributions and cultural legacies. Teaching these histories not only empowers AANHPI youth with a sense of pride and belonging but also fosters cross-cultural understanding among all students. States like Illinois and New Jersey have recently passed legislation requiring the inclusion of AANHPI history in public school education, signaling a hopeful trend toward broader inclusion and equity.
Equally important is the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages and cultural practices among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Language is a vessel of identity, and revitalization efforts such as Hawaiian language immersion schools and community-based cultural programs are crucial in maintaining cultural continuity. These efforts are often grassroots-led, fueled by a desire to reconnect with ancestral knowledge and resist the homogenizing effects of globalization.
Another significant aspect of honoring AANHPI communities is acknowledging their role in shaping the nation’s economy and innovation landscape. From pioneering scientists and tech entrepreneurs to small business owners and essential workers, their economic contributions are vast and often underappreciated. During the pandemic, AANHPI healthcare workers, delivery drivers, and grocery clerks were on the frontlines, working tirelessly despite the rise in hate incidents targeting their communities. Recognizing their labor and resilience is essential in building a more inclusive society.
Intergenerational narratives also play a vital role in community identity. Many AANHPI families carry stories of immigration, sacrifice, and adaptation across generations. Elders pass down traditional knowledge, values, and survival strategies to younger members, helping them navigate dual identities and complex social dynamics. These stories are often shared over meals, during festivals, or through oral histories—moments that bind generations and strengthen cultural pride.
Mental health is another crucial issue. Cultural stigmas around mental health care, combined with linguistic and systemic barriers, often prevent AANHPI individuals from seeking help. The unique pressures faced by many in the community—such as the model minority myth, intergenerational trauma, and the stress of assimilation—demand a culturally competent mental health infrastructure. Increasing access to culturally appropriate services and normalizing mental wellness within the community are vital steps toward healing and resilience.
Religious and spiritual diversity within AANHPI communities also enriches the American religious landscape. Whether practicing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Shinto, or indigenous belief systems, spiritual practices often intersect with cultural traditions, festivals, and community gatherings. These practices offer strength, community cohesion, and a sense of rootedness, especially during times of crisis and celebration alike.
The role of youth in shaping the future of AANHPI communities cannot be understated. Today’s generation is more vocal, tech-savvy, and socially engaged, using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to share stories, organize protests, and amplify marginalized voices. Their efforts are helping to challenge stereotypes, hold institutions accountable, and redefine what it means to be part of the AANHPI community in the 21st century.
As we honor the past and celebrate the present, we must also look toward a future where AANHPI communities are not only included but centered in America’s ongoing story. This means investing in AANHPI-owned businesses, supporting community organizations, learning and teaching their histories, advocating for inclusive policies, and creating spaces where their voices are heard and respected.
May is more than just a month on the calendar—it’s a movement, a call to action, and a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to equity and justice. While parades, festivals, and social media campaigns are valuable, the true celebration lies in sustained engagement, allyship, and education. Each of us can play a part in this by listening, learning, and standing in solidarity with our AANHPI neighbors, friends, colleagues, and community leaders.
To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month authentically means to recognize the diversity within these groups, honor their resilience, and commit to amplifying their voices not just in May but every single day. Their stories are not side notes to American history—they are central chapters. When we fully embrace the depth and richness of AANHPI cultures and experiences, we move one step closer to a more inclusive, compassionate, and united nation.
