May is AANHPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The term AANHPI is just one way to represent this very diverse and complex population with the initialism APIDA also used to include the Desi (South Asian) population. AANHPI history goes back to 1587, with the first major wave of immigrants from Asia arriving in the mid-1800s. The month was established in 1990 to celebrate, according to the White House, "the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities." Notable Asian Americans from history include Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, and activist Grace Lee Boggs (our next issue will include an interview with her niece). Here are some articles to learn more about this vast population:

• Understanding Our Perceptions of Asian Americans

• Defining 'Asian American' is complicated. Who gets left behind?

• 6 Charts that Dismantle the Trope of Asian Americans as a Model Minority

• 14 Asian Pacific Heritage Month Activities & Ideas for Work

• 18 Student Activities for AAPI Heritage Month

• Asian Americans in the People's History of the United States
  

Be sure to check out our Events Calendar for AANHPI Heritage Month events in the greater Seattle area!