Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Throughout May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage and recognize how their communities’ contributions have enriched America’s history.

Significance of the Iris Flower & Hawaiian Foliage

This year’s AAPI design features the purple Iris flower and Hawaiian foliage.

In Japanese culture, the iris flower, or Hanashōbu, symbolizes hope and bravery. The Hawaiian foliage recognizes the Pacific Island, reminding us of its rich ecosystem, culture, and traditions.

AAPI Heritage in Our Communities

Portland, Oregon is home to one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Inspired in the late 1950s, its purpose was to provide citizens with a serene garden while forging a healing connection to Japan following World War II. The Portland Japanese Garden opened in 1967 and remains a beloved destination for visitors and locals today.

The gold strikes of the 1860s in the Pacific Northwest attracted Chinese immigrants to eastern Washington. By the 1870s, many Chinese laborers were recruited to work on railroad construction, in logging camps, and in salmon canneries. Japanese immigrants later came to Washington for similar employment opportunities.

Utah was a key resettlement state following the Vietnam War. The Asian Association of Utah offered support for refugees, including housing and other basic needs. About 12,000 refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia settled in Utah between 1975 and 1990.

The transcontinental railroad linked the eastern and western United States. The Central Pacific workers started in Sacramento, California, and the Union Pacific workers began in Omaha, Nebraska, meeting at Promontory Summit, Utah. Chinese American workers were integral to this monumental project, making up most of the railroad workforce.

A Legacy of Leadership & Resilience

This year’s AAPI Month theme is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” Here are key individuals who have greatly impacted our world.

Queen Emma Kaleleonālani Na‘ea Rooke

Queen Emma reigned in Hawai‘i in the 1850s. During her and her husband Alexander Liholiho’s reign, the Hawaiian people were rapidly dying from disease. They raised funds to establish Queen’s Hospital, now known as The Queen’s Health Systems. These passionate leaders traveled door to door to fund this hospital, raising over $13,000.

Known as “The People’s Queen,” she was loved for her humanitarian efforts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Queen Lili’uokalani

Queen Lili‘uokalani was the last sovereign of Hawai‘i. Many admire Lili‘uokalani for her resolute and peaceful resistance to the United States’ annexation of Hawai‘i during the 1890s. She worked to protect Hawaiian trails through the 1892 Highways Act, maintaining rights of access to trails despite private land ownership.

Derald and Stanley Sue

Derald and Stanley Sue are Chinese American brothers who have made significant contributions to healthcare and ethnic minority psychology. Born in Portland, Oregon, they co-founded the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA).

Their published books and research papers address cultural competence, racial microaggression, multicultural counseling, and the psychology of Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups. The Sue brothers have helped improve the understanding and treatment of ethnic minority groups in healthcare.

Clayton Fong

Clayton Fong is the President and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, established in 1979. This non-profit improves the quality of life for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander older adults through education and advocacy. Their services include health initiatives and multilingual helplines to support diverse aging populations.

Visit AreteLiving.com/deib and follow us on social media to learn about AAPI history and additional important holidays throughout the year.