May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month provides an opportunity to learn about and celebrate AAPI culture and history, as well as recognize the numerous ways the AAPI community has contributed to making the world a better place. At the same time, the current moment requires us to acknowledge the horrific ways in which the AAPI community has been targeted by violence and racism over the course of COVID-19 (and throughout our history), and stand with the demand to Stop Asian Hate.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month became a permanent annual celebration in 1992, and was made possible by two women, Jeanie Jew and Ruby Moy. The month of May holds significance for two reasons: to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. in 1843, and to honor the 20,000 Chinese workers who played a large role in building the transcontinental railroad which was completed in May of 1869.

Please find resources below to celebrate and learn more about AAPI history and culture.

• Culinasia: The Future of Asian Food in America– Smithsonian National Musuem of Asian Art
• Innovative museum experiences– Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
• Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month (film series)– GBH
• Virtual Events– NAAAP Boston
• Virtual Events– BU
• Bystander intervention training to stop anti-Asian/American harassment and xenophobia– Hollaback
• The Long History of Racism Against Asian Americans in the U.S.– PBS
• On Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Who is Our Real Enemy?– Medium
• Addressing Anti-Asian Bias– Learning for Justice