May is AAPI Heritage Month
DEIA Committee | Published on 5/8/2023
The DEIA Committee would like to recognize AAPI heritage month. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law. In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first Asian American Vice President of the United States.
AAPI people have a long history in the United States, despite the stereotype that they are “perpetual foreigners,” the idea that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are inherently foreign, other and not truly American. According to the Bering Land Bridge Theory, Asians first migrated to what is now known as North America over 15,000 years ago through a land bridge between Asia and North America.
Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the unique journey of all AAPI immigrants and citizens in the United States and their unique life experiences, traditions and cultures.
For more information, the History Channel is a great resource:https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month#why-do-we-celebrate-aapi-heritage-month
There are numerous ways to honor the AAPI community and celebrate AAPI Heritage month in the Orlando area. Please check out the events listed at https://www.visitorlando.com/blog/post/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month/