May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of AAPI communities across the U.S. The 2025 theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” honors the strength and achievements of AAPI leaders and communities throughout history.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time to reflect on and celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to our shared history.
AAPI Heritage Month celebrates communities with roots throughout the Asia-Pacific region, which includes the entire Asian continent as well as the countries and territories comprising the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Given the broad geographical area these communities represent, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has a rich and diverse history and culture to explore all month long.
Before it was a month, it was a week...
The month was the brainchild of Jeanie Jew, a former Capitol Hill staffer, who shared the idea with Rep. Frank Horton, who introduced the legislation that formed it.
According to Time Magazine, Jew’s great-grandfather, M.Y. Lee, left China for the United States in the 1800s before helping to build the transcontinental railroad. Lee became a prominent businessman in California and later traveled to Oregon. He was killed during a time of unrest and anti-Asian sentiment.
In 1977, Horton introduced a resolution to establish Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. Senator Daniel Inouye proposed similar legislation to the Senate.
The following year, Horton, alongside co-sponsor Representative Norman Mineta, introduced another related resolution that was passed. President Jimmy Carter signed it in October 1978.
The resolution “authorized and requested” the president to proclaim the seven-day period starting May 4, 1979, as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. It also urged Americans, particularly educators, to commemorate the week with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
In 1990, Congress later passed legislation to extend the observance to a month. Two years afterward, Congress enacted another public law to designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month annually.
Why May was chosen to commemorate AAPI Heritage
May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to celebrate the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
2025 Theme
The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2025 is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” This theme celebrates the dedication and achievements of AAPI leaders who have paved the way for future generations. It also acknowledges the resilience of the AAPI community in adjusting to change and overcoming adversity.