Five Ways To Honor Asian Pacific American Heritage Month This Year

First proposed as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week in the 1970s, the celebratory month was officially declared in 1992. May became the designated month of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in honor of two events: In May of 1843, the United States saw the first arrival of Japanese immigrants; and, on May 10th, 1869, the country celebrated the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the construction of which relied on the labor of Chinese immigrants. 

May is filled with events and celebrations to honor these two moments in Asian American history. The month also focuses on the vast contributions of individuals of Pacific Islander and Asian descent and the influence of these diverse countries on American culture.

The purpose of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

As the US celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month each May, it offers the chance to honor the contributions and influence of the cultures within these regions and focus on how to support individuals of these communities. That support emphasizes mental health, especially when considering the issues that affect these communities, such as racial discrimination and barriers to mental health treatment. 

How to celebrate this year

Each year, May offers the opportunity to educate yourself or those you love on the history, diverse cultures, essential topics, and experiences of the people and countries of East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Below are a few ways to celebrate. 

Learn about Asian and Pacific American history

Read, listen, explore, or find another way to learn about the history and contributions of Pacific Island and Asian Americans. Discover the stories of famous individuals from these countries by browsing sites like the National Parks Service, the Smithsonian, and others.

The Asian Pacific American heritage government website, hosted by the Library of Congress, also has valuable resources and a variety of online or virtual events. Find links to events from the Library of Congress, the National Archives, the National Endowment of the Humanities, and other organizations. Explore events where you can learn history from the first-hand experiences of AAPI Americans, honor the life and contributions of Asian and Pacific American individuals, and get a fuller understanding of the concerns commonly facing these communities. 

If you are part of these communities, consider taking the time to research the culture in your family's home country or area. You can also look at the history of cultures you're not a part of to understand how they may be similar to or different from your own. 

Read a book by an Asian or Pacific Islander author

Supporting the creative work of Asian-Pacific Americans can be another way to celebrate this month. You don't have to choose a non-fiction book about Asian or Pacific Island history, as many authors in these communities write fiction, poetry, and other genres. If you don't enjoy reading, you could choose an online article, a comic, an audiobook, or a zine. 

As a parent or educator, you can be equally intentional with your reading during May and beyond. There are hundreds of well-researched literature lists online, like the Association for Library Service to Children, summarizing and reviewing children's book suggestions for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Whatever books you choose to read with your children or students, opt for different types of stories. Books that teach about the experience and culture of Asian and Pacific Americans can be equally as crucial as fictional stories that center on an Asian or Pacific American character.

While some individuals may choose to support authors financially, you can also choose a less expensive or free option. Go to your local library to ask a librarian about books that might match this description. You can also keep your eyes out for articles online that you can read for free. Spread the word and virtually support the authors of articles or books that speak to you. You can tag them on social media, pass along a link to your family, or have a mini book club with your friends. 

Promote respect and support for those affected by racism

Part of celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage and other heritage months can be recognizing how individuals of each community are valued and treated in modern US society. Acknowledging and attending to the experiences of discrimination based on race, wage gaps, housing instability, and other issues can be an essential part of honoring this month's events.

There are several ways to do your part in the work against discrimination and racism. You may start by educating yourself on issues nationwide and within your community. Check out resources like the statistics on "Critical Issues Facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from the White House" and articles like "The Economic Status of Asian American and Pacific Islander Women" from the Center for American Progress or "Looking at the Rise of Anti-Asian Racism in the Pandemic." With a deeper understanding of how these problems can affect individuals and communities, you may be able to make more intentional choices about how you operate within your community.

You can use your voice to promote diversity and respect in your workplace, school, friend group, family, and community. When you see racial discrimination in any community, speak up against it. Learn more about local organizations or events that promote racial equity and determine how you can get involved through volunteer work or financial donations. You can also have open discussions with family and friends who may benefit from learning more about the existence of racial discrimination against individuals with Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry. Your changes can significantly impact the health and safety of all individuals in your community, and this month can be a compelling time to start using your voice.

Go to a virtual lecture or explore resources at a museum

Diving into a culture can include learning about and enjoying its art throughout history and in the present. The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum and the Asian Art Museum are two resources for experiencing and expanding your knowledge of art from both world regions. Both located in California, these museums can be invaluable community resources for residents and visitors of California. However, if you are not able to travel to the museums, there are virtual options that make the content available to everyone. 

Many museums offer virtual events allowing you to "visit" exhibitions, hear from experts, or learn about the museum's focus. The Asian Art Museum is one such museum. You can view the calendar of events and look for "virtual" events online. Find events like "Immigration Stories of Asian American Women: Here Is Happiness" and hear the personal stories of three remarkable women. This event and many others offer free tickets, so everyone is welcome to attend via Zoom.

Aside from these two museums, you can explore your local museums and exhibitions to see whether they have events planned to celebrate art from Asia and the Pacific Islands. With hundreds of art museums around the country, you may be within driving distance of one if you live near a major city. 

Since many museums choose to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, you may be able to visit an exhibit showcasing Asian and Pacific American art and stories specifically. If not, you can explore the art of these regions by reading up on famous artists, watching a video tour of an art museum or showcase, or following an artist on social media. 

Discover new cuisine 

Trying out new cuisines from a region in Asia or the Pacific Islands can be a delicious way to celebrate and support AAPI Heritage Month this year. Choose from various options in your food exploration, which can be equally valuable and educational.

There are thousands of dishes you can make to help you experience a piece of the diverse cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. You can cook a traditional dish from one of the many countries in East Asia, South Asia, or the Pacific Islands. For example, you could make a Samoan Fa'alifu Fa'i-green banana in savory coconut sauce, chicken bulgogi on a Korean BBQ night, or kwati dal, a traditional mixed bean stew from Nepal. With each meal, take the time to read about the dish's history, which regions it is eaten in, and its cultural significance.

Alternatively, if cooking is not your favorite hobby, you might try eating out. You can search for a restaurant near you that serves traditional cuisine from one of the many regions in East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Finding a new restaurant that you enjoy can allow you to return and try many different dishes over time. Eating from a local restaurant may also help you support an Asian or Pacific American-owned business.

Meet with a professional 

Supporting mental health in the Asian and Pacific American communities may look like spreading the word about treatment options, starting community conversations, or seeking mental health treatment. One treatment option available to people of Asian and Pacific American communities and others is online therapy. Through an online platform like BetterHelp, you can discuss matters related to your heritage and select the option to meet with A BIPOC therapist if relevant to your needs. 

Proven as a treatment for anxiety and depression, online therapy has the potential to limit obstacles to treatment that are often present in minority populations. One study examined how racial differences affected the efficacy of internet-delivered mental healthcare. Researchers found that minorities, specifically African American patients, experienced a "significant six-month decrease in depression and anxiety scores." They concluded that online CBT "may be an efficient and scalable first step to eliminating disparities in mental healthcare."