May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
A celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States
By Ricky Ly of TastyChomps.com
Each May, during Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the history and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) across our Nation. This year has been particularly difficult for the AAPI community with many businesses and families dealing with the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as increases in anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents across the nation.
Throughout our history, AAPI communities who have been integral in building our nation – from building the Transcontinental Railroad to starting local businesses, to serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as health care providers, first responders, teachers, and other essential workers.
Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have also endured a long history of injustice — including the Page Act of 1875, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the incarceration of Japanese American citizens during World War II, the murder of Vincent Chin, the mass shooting of Southeast Asian refugee children in 1989, and the targeting of South Asian Americans, especially those who are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh, after the national tragedy of 9/11. It is clear more must be done to defeat hatred, foster inclusion, advance equity, and root out racial injustices.
Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. Half of them are children. Rotary International quote: We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts.
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