May in the U.S. is Asian Pacific American Heritage (APAH) Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. Currently numbering about 24 million individuals in the U.S., this group includes Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Pakistani, Cambodian, Thai, Hmong, Laotian, native Hawaiian, and others.
Officially designated in 1992, APAH Month lets us recognize the contributions, stories, and experiences of the Asian and Asian American communities in all facets of our lives from business, science, medicine, literature, art, and sports to government, politics, activism, and law.
This year, find ways to participate by checking in with your local libraries, museums, visitor centers, universities, and other local institutions. Many of them produce events to shine a light on Asian/Pacific Islander heritage and individuals in the U.S. and our communities.
Fun Ways to Celebrate APAH Month
- At sundown May 2, gather family and celebrate the end of Ramadan at a Festival of Eid, featuring traditional foods. A quick online search will give you some ideas and recipes.
- Invite family and friends for a get-together focused on your heritage. Pull out favorite recipes, shop for fresh ingredients, and find a related playlist to get into the groove.
- Connect with family in other countries and send them a gift so they can honor the family’s roots. Western Union gives you easy, reliable ways to send money—online or with our mobile app.
- Look online at nearby museums and universities to see what events they offer for APAH Month. APAH film screenings, performances, and workshops are scheduled across the U.S. For example, on May 14-15, Denver Zoo hosts its first AAPI+ Fest — events and workshops include tai chi, henna art, hula, kite making, and more!
- Read or listen to Kal Penn’s new book, You Can’t Be Serious. In his memoir, the former actor and White House staffer, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from India, discusses his career from facing stereotypes in Hollywood to serving in Barack Obama’s administration. He also shared with Asia Society Texas and in a podcast episode of Asia In-Depth, a podcast that holds conversations with experts and thought leaders about Asia and beyond.
- Watch movies that show Asian and Pacific Island culture with your kids, such as Mulan, Abominable, Bend It Like Beckham, Finding ‘Ohana, and Raya and the Last Dragon.
- Learn a craft or practice that originated in the Asia Pacific, such as origami, tai chi, or xi gong. You can start by searching for tutorials on YouTube.
- Watch Asian Americans, the Peabody Award for Best Documentary film series on PBS.
Gifting Money to Far-Away Family
Do you have far-away family in Asia or the Pacific Islands? If so, you can send money through Western Union. We are in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, including Asia and the Pacific Islands. Whether you’re supporting your family or just sending a monetary gift, you can send money from the U.S. to loved ones in countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Money transfers are easy, convenient and reliable, whether you use one of our retail locations, the Western Union mobile app, or our website.
Source:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2022/asian-american-pacific-islander.html
