May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the culture, history, and contributions of AANHPI communities. AANHPI folks have been a crucial part of the fabric of the United States from its beginning, from Indigenous people to immigrants seeking a new life to bold innovators and brave leaders.
Fenway Health celebrates and deeply appreciates our AANHPI staff, clients, patients, board members, supporters, and communities, this month and each and every day.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began in 1978 as a weeklong celebration before being extended to a full month in 1992. The month of May was originally chosen because the first documented Japanese immigrant to America arrived in May of 1843 and two decades later, the golden spike was driven into the first transcontinental railroad, which was completed largely by using the exploited labor of Chinese immigrants. It is essential that we recognize the systematic racism faced by AANHPI communities, both in the past and in the present, and commit every day to fight against that bigotry.
There are many opportunities this month to celebrate our AANHPI communities and learn about their rich heritages. Nationally, federal institutions such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian have joined together to create some wonderful resources and events throughout May. To learn more, please visit www.asianpacificheritage.gov.
Across Boston, there will be film screenings, musical performances, street festivals, panel discussions, and much more throughout Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Check out a full list of local events here. The Boston Public Library has also put together a great booklist featuring AANHPI authors and stories.
Please join us in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage this month and beyond!