The Senate has adopted a concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 44) sponsored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the Nation. The resolution celebrates the unique contributions of this diverse community to American society and culture. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative David Wu (D-OR), chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
In 1992, the Congress by law designated that the month of May be observed annually as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This action demonstrates the support of the Congress for a community that has always been a vital part of our Nation's heritage.
"Historians note that the first Asians or Pacific Islanders to set foot on the continental United States were Filipinos manning Spanish galleons that sought to explore the new land in the 1500s," Senator Akaka noted. "Filipino sailors later, in the 1700s, founded the communities in the Louisiana bayous, using names such as Manila Village and Bayou Cholas. The first Japanese arrived on May 7, 1843, and others in 1869 attempted to establish the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Colony, in order to grow mulberries, tangerines, grapes, and tea. Chinese adventurers joined other gold-seekers in northern California in the 1800s, establishing the now-famous Chinatown in San Francisco in the 1850s, and working toward the establishment of the first transcontinental railroad – marked by Golden Spike Day, May 10, 1869. Of course, before all of this took place, the indigenous peoples most known to me, the Native Hawaiians, established a vibrant society, living and working in the islands from roughly the 1200s on what was to become the 50th State in our precious Union. The many other peoples in what is known now as the collective AAPI community have their own fascinating stories to tell about their first adventures and long heritage in America.
"Advancing through history to come to the present, the AAPI community has grown so that it now numbers about 13.5 million – 12.5 million Asians and almost one million Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders. Together, AAPIs make up roughly 4.7 percent of the population. Even with this growth in overall size, we have remained inclusive of our various cultures and celebrate our diversity as we work together to eliminate civil injustice and increase our political involvement and participation in government.
"It is not only for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, but for all of us in this great country that I firmly believe that our individual identification and knowledge of our cultures of origin strengthen us when we come together as Americans. It is out of our many, glorious parts that we come together to make one shining whole. Thus, the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month truly is about all of us."
