Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – May

In May, we recognize the contributions of those of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Asian Pacific American Heritage month began in 1978 as Asian American Heritage Week celebrated the first week of every May, chosen because the first immigrants from Japan arrived on May 7, 1843. It has since been expanded to encompass the entire month of May. Lectures, panel discussions and film festivals are often a part of this month-long celebration.