History of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

In 1979, a joint resolution declared the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week as May 4-10, 1979. In 1990, President George Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long. Finally, Public Law 102-450 approved in October 23, 1992, designated May of each year Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAH Month)

Asian Pacific American is a political appellation that encompasses many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages, and cultures. The term attempts to give expression to cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity while recognizing common historical experiences in American history. APAH Month celebrates the collective accomplishments of these communities.