May: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

In 1977, the US Congress chose the first ten days of May as a time to honor the history of AAPI communities in the US. The week later turned into a month.

May 1843 is when the first Japanese immigrants came to the US.

The transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the railroad tracks were Chinese immigrants.

Places to Visit:

- The National Park Service has a guide to places that have played important roles in AAPI history.

- The Museum of Chinese in America in New York City, NY

- The Honolulu Museum of Art in Honolulu, Hawaii

Books:

- The New York Public Library has a list with more books: nypl.org/books-more/recommendations/aanhpi-heritage/

- The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy

- When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

- Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

- Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

- Girl of the Southern Sea by Michelle Kadarusman

- Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan

- Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

- Any Day with You by Mae Respicio

When thinking of June, you may think of Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Pride Month, or the summer solstice. But in reality, there is a lot more to it… Unique

By Charlotte Regnault

June 8: Name Your Poison Day

June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 10: Ballpoint Pen Day

June 23: Take Your Dog to Work Day

June 22: National Onion Ring Day

June is also Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, National Accordion Awareness Month, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, National Iced Tea Month, but that’s only listing a few!