Last month was Arab Heritage Month, March was Women’s History Month, February was Black History Month, and next month is Pride Month! Can you guess what we are all celebrating this month? Besides Jewish Heritage Month? That’s right! It’s Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month! Or more specifically, Filipino Heritage Month!
What is Filipino Heritage Month?
“Every May, the Philippines celebrate National Heritage Month (NHM). NHM, instituted by Presidential Proclamation No. 439, actively aims to foster consciousness, respect, and love for the nation’s culture and history among Filipinos” (Link to article) This celebration in the U.S. usually happens in May, or possibly in October—the many contributions and accomplishments of Asian Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, and Native Hawaiians. Celebrating culture, eating delicious foods, and looking at Asian Art. An example of seeing the art is the Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art online. Having diverse ethnic backgrounds, and more, and being able to do origami.
Why do we celebrate it?
We celebrate it because it celebrates the collective accomplishments of the heterogeneous communities that make up the APIDA population. “Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. It was later expanded from a week-long to a month-long celebration in 1990.” (Link to article) And it has been celebrated every year since.
“Since then, the month of May has been designated as national APIDA Heritage Month, similar to monthly celebrations like Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March. However, because of Illinois’s academic calendar, we typically celebrate APIDA Heritage Month on campus during April.” (Link to article) The theme for this month is, “Bridging Histories, Shaping our futures.” It is meant for, “The 2024 theme is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities. It embodies the spirit of our collective journey – one rooted in resilience and hope – and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.”
Interviews and conclusion:
An interview with two Saugus students says, “I love it! I don’t know much else about it, but it’s fun.” and “I want to try the food!” Usually, the food eaten is Traditional Vietnamese Beef Pho, Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, Leche Flan, Honey Roasted BBQ Pork (Char Siu), Daniel’s Mandu, Spicy Rice Noodles With Ground Pork And Scallions, Mango Float, Sanjana’s Momo, and more delicious foods.” (Link to website)
To end this article, this month is about Filipino Heritage Month and includes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month. A great time to celebrate! Celebrate it all with everyone.
