Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a moment to commemorate the legacy, achievements, and resilience of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander individuals and their heritage. The process of recognizing AAPI people began in the late 1970s and honored the immigration of the first Japanese Americans to the United States. Additionally, May marks the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and its significant contributions of the Chinese.
The 2025 theme for AAPI Heritage Month is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” This theme focuses on the challenging work of AAPI leaders and is a call to action to empower the AAPI community. The theme seeks to encourage the community to continue thriving and adapting despite recent adversity. The legacy of the AAPI community encompasses stories of perseverance, honoring traditions, breaking barriers, and igniting a passion for the next generation of changemakers.
Resilience has been the cornerstone of the AAPI community due to its increased experiences of xenophobia, violence, exclusion, and growing anti-immigration rhetoric. Despite adversity, the AAPI community remains the fastest-growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. A powerful testament to their resilience and enduring contributions to the nation. Their cultural tapestry is interwoven into the fabric of the U.S through science, medicine, literature, art, sports, recreation, politics, and activism. This month, we encourage you to reflect and uplift the voices, stories, and lived experiences of AAPI individuals.