This month is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and histories of Americans from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. According to the official website, “The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”

AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated to recognize the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across broad swaths of American culture. From literature and art to medicine and science, government and politics to law and activism, this group has produced significant achievements. Yet despite their accomplishments and that they are the fastest growing racial group in the United States, a worrying trend of anti-Asian and anti-Pacific Islander is on the rise. The recognition of this racial group’s contributions is one of the most important things we can do collectively to combat this, and to bring about a more diverse and inclusive society, as well as workplaces.

Cynthia Choi, co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate says the month is a time to speak out, share stories and debunk myths about Asian communities. This is a celebration of our history, of our culture … and all the different ways in which our community has really demonstrated that we’re not only here to stay, we are a part of this fabric — a part of this country.”

The 2022 AAPI Heritage theme is “Advancing Leaders through Collaboration.” The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) encourages government and business leaders to prioritize collaboration, development, diversity, transparency, and inclusion through leadership training of AAPI people. At Imprimis Group, we hope that you will join a growing number of DFW employers who recognize the power of diversity and inclusion, and that you will promote AAPI Heritage Month in your organization!