Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions of the AAPI community. 

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Executive Proclamation

 
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) is pleased to announce the theme for the May 2025 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” 
 
In October 1587, the first Filipinos landed in what is now the Continental United States at Morro Bay, California. In 1778, the first Chinese immigrants landed in Hawaii. The Japanese followed the Chinese, and in 1806 they too established a presence in Hawaii. May is set aside as a point in time for all Americans to reflect on the contributions of the AAPI community. Learn more about AAPI Heritage Month by visiting this webpage.
 

For the last four years, the Asian American Foundation has conducted a public attitudes survey to benchmark how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are perceived of and treated in the United States. They surveyed more than 6,000 Americans nationwide for their 2024 STAATUS index, and highlighted three key findings:

  1. Americans don’t think hate towards Asian Americans has increased, but Asian Americans disagree.
  2. Because of discrimination, violence, and a lack of representation, only 38% of Asian Americans completely agree that they belong, and even fewer feel that they are fully accepted.
  3. Advocacy for Asian Americans and celebration of their stories must extend beyond AAPI Heritage Month; it is noted that 55% of Americans surveyed are unable to name a single event of policy related to Asian Americans.

The survey asked Americans how to address relationships with the Asian community.

  • At least 60% want more opportunities to interact with and learn more about each other
  • Nearly 60% want to see more Asian American represented on tv shows and in movies

The top ideas for decreasing racism are to:

  • Teach the history of Asian Americans in k-12 schools and colleges;
  • Increase the visibility of Asian Americans in society;
  • Provide more opportunities to interact with Asian Americans

This month, we are sharing ideas for exploring Asian American history and culture in our region with your colleagues, families and friends.

 Learn

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the AACPL system is hosting family-friendly events at libraries around the County and has compiled a book list and digital resources that we can use all year round.

 Experience

Our official destination marketing and management organization maintains a directory of restaurants which can be researched by type of cuisine, including Asian food.

  • Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

The 2025 event was held on April 6th, but the organizer hopes to make it annual. Mark your calendars for next year!