Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Each year, May presents an opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the enormous and diverse contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made throughout American history.

The term, “Asian American,” was first used by activists in 1968. Its creation was the direct result of radical cross-racial and ethnic solidarity movement building in the US in the 1960s. Very different peoples from the Asian diaspora realized that once coming to America, racism shaped particular shared histories and experiences that tied very disparate ethnic groups together. The term “Asian American” is deeply rooted in the community’s attempts to fight racism and other oppressive systems by building a sense of unity.

The history of AAPIs in America is a complicated one. As a country, we must reckon with the virulent and explicitly racist policies and practices that have been directed at Asians and Asian Americans for generations, as well as the consequences of a history of imperial conquest, militarization and extraction in Asia and the Pacific. But there is also a proud history of resistance and resilience, battles hard fought – and won – from Supreme Court landmark cases, to cultural and linguistic reclamation and deepening roots of belonging, to the fight for visibility in education as well as in other career fields. In AAPI America, the statement “We belong here” is not only a rejection of AAPI people being viewed as “perpetual foreigners” – people who can never be Americans – but a firm positioning of a people’s right to be here. Affirming Asian American historical presence and the long, ongoing struggle for civil and human rights as Americans is what we celebrate this month.

Jewish American Heritage Month

The School District of Philadelphia honors and recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the rich history, contributions, and vibrant culture of the Jewish community. Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) began as a week of recognition in 1980, initiated by President Carter, and was later expanded in 2006 when President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This designation offers an opportunity for schools, communities, and individuals to explore and appreciate the diverse histories, traditions, and stories of Jewish Americans.

Throughout the month, we reflect on the significant impact that the Jewish community has had on shaping the nation’s culture, values, and progress. From the arts and sciences to civil rights activism and entrepreneurship, Jewish Americans have played a crucial role in building a more just and inclusive society. Recognizing and celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month not only fosters understanding and unity but also highlights the resilience and perseverance of a community that has contributed greatly to our nation. As we honor this heritage, we are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and learning from the collective experiences that have shaped the American narrative.

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