According to 2021 census data, there are 24 million people of Asian descent living in the United States, as well as 1.7 million people who are Native Hawaiian or come from other Pacific Islands.
The annual celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans began as a week-long observance in 1978, and extended to the full month of May in 1990. President George H.W. Bush officially designated the month of May as Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 1992, and it was later renamed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009.
Why We Celebrate in May
May commemorates two significant points in time for Asian and Pacific Islander migration to the United States.
The first was in 1841, when 14-year-old fisherman Manjiro was rescued by a whaling ship after drifting away from his home in Japan and brought to the island of Oahu, where he took an interest in whaling. William Whitfield, the ship's captain, adopted Manjiro, renamed him John Mung, and brought him to his hometown of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, on May 7, 1843. Manjiro is considered to be the first Japanese immigrant to the United States and was referred to as the country’s first ambassador to Japan.
The second major event occurred on May 10, 1869, with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the majority of which was built by Chinese immigrants.
How to Celebrate in Houston
- Enjoy a one-of-a-kind concert experience featuring music from No-No Boy and Emilia Halvorsen, which spotlights Asian American histories through folk songs, sound pieces, live projections, and storytelling on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
- The Chinese Community Center is partnering with the River Oaks District to offer Sunday activities throughout the month, including the Korean Hanbok Fashion Show on Sunday, May 12 and Chinese Calligraphy and on Sunday, May 19.
- Grab a bite from over 130 Houston-area restaurants participating in Asian Restaurant Month, which lasts until the end of May.
- Round up the whole family for a special celebration at Children’s Museum Houston, which will include Polynesian crafts, dances, and other live performances.
For more ways to celebrate AAPI month check out our May Guide.
