Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month originated with Congress in the late 1970s. Since its origin, it has honored many different populations, countries and islands that it collectively represents.
In 2023, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) convened federal government officials and community leaders to mark the inaugural release of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Communities. At a special virtual event, senior Biden-Harris Administration officials outlined the details of 32 federal agency plans, which build on the Administration’s previous actions to promote safety and equity for AA and NHPIs. Community leaders also discussed additional steps the federal government can take to address critical priorities for a National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice & Opportunity for AA & NHPI Communities, including data disaggregation, language access, and combatting anti-Asian hate.
Today, we honor and celebrate the heritage of our nation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) people, whose ingenuity, grit, and perseverance have pushed our great American experiment forward. Read the 2024 Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage and learn more about the 2024 AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration >>
As designated by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the national theme for 2024 is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.” This theme honors the visionaries who have shaped Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and those who mark the present and influence the future. The Council encourages local and national governments to prioritize creating leadership and advancement opportunities for Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples.
Additionally, The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center issued a call for intergenerational connection, action, and reflection by unveiling a joint theme “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future” for 2024.
FREE Interactive Training Webinar
Monday, May 20th
11:00a – 2:00p (PT)
Presented by: Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)
How do I take care of myself when I experience harassment? If that’s a question you’re asking — this training is for you! During this 75-minute, highly interactive training you’ll learn Right To Be’s methodology for responding to harassment: 1) Trust your Instincts, 2) Reclaim Your Space, and 3) Practice Resilience. You’ll also learn how your identities can shape your experience of harassment and the impact that harassment has on you and your community as a whole. We’ll talk about what to look for when assessing your safety, and how to determine if responding in the moment is the right action or not. We’ll also take a deep dive into how to build your resilience on an individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal front. You’ll leave with new tools on how to respond to harassment, whether your response is in the moment while that harassment is happening or long-term. Learn more & register >>
FREE & Open to the public
Saturday, May 25th
11:00a – 3:00p (PT)
719 S King St | Seattle, WA
Located in the Wing Luke Museum Community Hall
Meet amazing local artists, businesses, and supporting organizations at Wing Luke Museum’s Annual Spring Market highlighting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture and creations. Visitors can experience a FREE lei-making craft. General Admission to the museum is not included. Learn more & share this event >>
FREE Fireside Chat with Nikki Barua
Monday, May 20th
4:30p – 6:00p (PT)
Moderated by: NAAAP Pride Director Noelle Blanco
As the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) closes out Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and kicks off PRIDE Month, we invite you to join us for a profound virtual fireside chat with CEO & Co-Founder of Beyond Barriers, Nikki Barua. Her extraordinary journey as an immigrant, serial entrepreneur, board director, and innovation thought leader is a testament to ambition, resilience, and determination to shatter barriers. As an Asian American queer woman, Nikki has triumphed over significant challenges to carve her path to success in both corporate and entrepreneurial realms. Her story of courage and empowerment is a guiding light, inspiring us to embrace our authentic selves and realize our fullest potential. This enlightening discussion will delve into Nikki’s experiences navigating intersectional identities and empowering women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace. Learn more & register >>
Join us in-person for FREE Mental Health Education and Conversations as we navigate the various stigmas that withhold the Pacific Islander community from seeking mental health therapy.
What is Cultural Fatigue? And do I have it?
Thursday, June 13th at 6:00p (PT)
3513 Portland Ave E | Tacoma, WA
In this session, participants will explore and define cultural fatigue and how it shows up in our bodies, culture, and communities, we are a part of. Learn more & share >>
Runaways: A Two-Part Conversation
Monday, June 10 at 6:00p (PT)
3513 Portland Ave E | Tacoma, WA
In this session, participants will take part in a two-part discussion exploring how it feels to want to run away, for teens and their parents. Learn more & share >>
2024 API-GBV National Summit: Growing from Our Roots
Early Bird Registration NOW OPEN through June 1st!
Monday, August 27 – Wednesday, August 29
Hotel Nikko at 222 Mason St. | San Francisco, CA
Presented by: Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence (API-GBV)
The API-GBV proudly invites you to the 2024 National Summit! As a culturally specific national resource center, API-GBV is dedicated to disrupting gender-based violence in Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. This year’s theme is Growing from Our Roots. The Summit will focus on four key areas: uplifting voices, building capacity, engaging allies, and advocating for policies and practices. In addition to the keynote address, the Summit will feature a variety of workshops and panels covering topics such as trauma-informed care, culturally specific interventions, and community mobilization. Attendees are encouraged to network and connect with other advocates and professionals. Learn more & register >>
Use these resources year-round to learn, teach, experience & reflect:
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Pacific Islander Community Association of WA
Visit Seattle to learn how Asian Pacific Americans have played prominent roles in Seattle’s history since it’s settlement
YMCA of Greater Seattle Community Conversation, Exploring Asian American Identities
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Honoring AA & NHPI Heritage Month with Kids
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Census Bureau
Are You “AAPI” or “Asian American”? It’s Complicated.
What’s in a name? Exploring the evolution and origin of AANHPI Heritage Month
New Study ID’s Cardiovascular Risks with Asian American Populations
Behavioral Health Equity
Recipes to Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month
Top 5 Reads for AANHPI Heritage Month
Books for All Ages
12 Asian and Pacific Islander Seattleites You Should Know About
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning
Shades of Hate: A Deeper Understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences
EDIA 365: Thriving in a Third Culture
Source: Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), The Huddle (UW), The Library of Congress, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH), and the White House Initiative on AA and NHPIs (WHIAANHPI).