United StatesOrigins of Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month
Grade Levels: 6 - 12
Origins of APA Heritage Month National celebration established in 1977
May is Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month—a celebration of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Much like Black History and Women's History celebrations, APA Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill put forward by legislators.
Congressional Bills Establish CelebrationIn June 1977, Representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a House resolution which called upon the president to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. The following month, Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both were passed.
The proclamation of Asian/Pacific Week had to be brought forward each year because a Joint Resolution did not contain an annual designation. On October 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the Joint Resolution.
APA Becomes Month-long CelebrationIn May 1990, the holiday was expanded further when President George H.W. Bush designated May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843.
School, Government, Community CelebrationsAsian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated with community festivals, government gatherings, and educational activities for students. Since its inception as a single week in 1977, APA Heritage Month has grown into a month-long celebration across the country.
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Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month
May is Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month! Don't overlook this opportunity to study and enjoy activities about the history and culture of Asian-Pacific American communities.
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May Calendar of Events
May is full of holidays and events that you can incorporate into your standard curriculum. Our Educators' Calendar outlines activities for each event, including: Backyard Games Week (5/23-29) and Memorial Day (5/27). Plus, celebrate Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month, Clean Air Month, and Physical Fitness & Sports Month all May long!
Common Core Lessons & Resources
Is your school district adopting the Common Core? Work these new standards into your curriculum with our reading, writing, speaking, social studies, and math lessons and activities. Each piece of content incorporates the Common Core State Standards into the activity or lesson.
