Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025
Since 1979, U.S. Americans have celebrated the contributions and culture of Asian-Pacific Americans in our country’s history. Originally a ten-day celebration in May, in 1990, the observance was extended to include the entire month as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. May includes many important anniversaries in Asian-Pacific American history, including the first arrival of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. in 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely constructed by Chinese immigrants, in 1869. During this month of May, we’re sharing four ways to broaden your intercultural horizons and celebrate this historic month-long observance.
- Broaden Your Knowledge: While U.S. history is part of every citizen’s education, few academic curricula teach about Asian-Pacific history, politics, or culture. Spend some time this month reading about this region’s history, watching films by Asian-Pacific directors, exploring their cultural contributions, and understanding intercultural relations between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific. Two excellent resources include the Asia Society website and the best-selling cross-cultural guide Access to Asia.
- Take a Road Trip: From Seattle’s Panama Hotel to California’s historic Wintersburg community, some of our most celebrated national treasures are due to the contributions of Asian-Pacific Americans. Consider visiting a local monument rooted in Asian-Pacific American history, your nearest Asian-Pacific cultural center, or a community event sponsored by the Library of Congress. These troves of culture and history will enrich your understanding of the unique experience and contributions that Asian-Pacific Americans have made in the U.S. for over 150 years.
- Culinary Discovery: Brush off your chopsticks and enjoy a delicious meal of Asian-Pacific cuisine with friends! Asian-Pacific American Heritage month is a great opportunity to invite friends for a delicious meal at a local restaurant and appreciate the culinary contributions of Asian-Pacific cultures. If the restaurant isn’t too busy, start a conversation with the owners about their experiences as entrepreneurs in the U.S., their favorite recipes, and the cultural ties they cherish.
- Appreciate New Perspectives: Whether you’re a mystery enthusiast, a non-fiction aficionado, or a poet at heart, find an Asian-Pacific American author to enrich your reading list this May. Discovering works by cross-cultural authors allows us to discover unique perspectives and unforgettable voices that reveal new ways of seeing the world around us. For fiction lovers, give Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club or Hanya Yanagihara’s The People in the Trees a read, or check out this list of Asian American novelists. If you prefer non-fiction, try Maxine Hong Kingston’s China Men, while poets will love Cathy Park Hong’s boundary-breaking verses.
Whether you enjoy mouthwatering Vietnamese bao buns or fresh Japanese sushi, visit local Asian-Pacific heritage sites, or delve into a new book by an Asian-Pacific American author, find a way to celebrate these diverse cultures during the month of May.
Photo by Sharon Schweitzer
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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