Recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in celebrating the rich contributions of these communities to the history and culture of the United States.
Mazie Hirono
Senator
HI
This resolution recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the significant contributions of these communities to the history and culture of the United States. It acknowledges key historical milestones and achievements, while also addressing past discrimination and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. The resolution aims to honor the diverse heritage and resilience of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, highlighting their importance in enriching and strengthening the nation.
Resolution Reaffirms AANHPI Heritage Month: Spotlighting Contributions, History, and Key 2025 Anniversaries
This resolution officially puts a congressional stamp on recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the contributions of these communities, which number over 26.8 million people in the U.S. It's not creating a new holiday, but it formally underscores the importance of this month—already designated under U.S. law (36 U.S.C. 102)—for honoring the rich history and ongoing impact of AANHPI individuals.
More Than Just a Calendar Date
So, what does this actually do? Think of it as an official nudge from Congress to really lean into celebrating and learning. The resolution specifically calls out Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a time to celebrate how these communities have enriched and strengthened the U.S. While it doesn't allocate new funding or create new programs itself, resolutions like this often encourage government agencies, schools, and cultural institutions to develop their own commemorative events and educational materials. It's about fostering a national atmosphere of recognition and encouraging everyone to explore the diverse histories and achievements of AANHPI peoples.
Acknowledging the Journey: Milestones and Painful Truths
This isn't just a feel-good resolution; it delves into some significant history. It highlights several key anniversaries coming up in 2025: the 40th of Ellison Onizuka’s groundbreaking space mission, the 50th of the Vietnam War's end and the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Hokulea journey, the 60th of the transformative 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act amendments, and the 115th anniversary of the Angel Island Immigration Station. These aren't just dates; they represent pivotal moments, from achievements in science and exploration to profound shifts in national policy and cultural identity. Crucially, the resolution also doesn't shy away from the tough stuff, acknowledging historical discrimination such as the 1875 and 1882 Acts restricting Asian immigration and the forced internment of Japanese Americans under Executive Order 9066 during World War II. It also recognizes the recent, alarming rise in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
What This Means for Us: Looking Ahead
By formally recognizing these aspects, the resolution aims to support a broader understanding of AANHPI experiences—both the triumphs and the struggles. It points to positive steps like the passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, designed to offer better tools to combat hate incidents, and the ongoing work of a commission studying the potential for a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The resolution also highlights commemorative coins honoring key AANHPI figures like Anna May Wong and Patsy Mink, bringing their legacies into wider public view. Essentially, this resolution serves as an official record and a call to action for continued awareness, education, and appreciation of the diverse tapestry AANHPI communities bring to the nation.