Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Typically nationally celebrated in May. However, due to the calendar restraints, Bucknell University celebrates this event during the month of February. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, histories, languages, and cultures. This month attempts to recognize cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity while recognizing common historical experiences in Asian American history. This special month celebrates the accomplishments of these various communities.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month's creation has been credited to Jeannie Jew, a third generation Chinese American, whose grandfather, M.Y. Lee, helped build the first transcontinental railroad system. Lee also became a prominent Chinese businessman and leader in the community. He was killed defending civil rights for the Chinese, prompting Jew to take her beliefs to Capitol Hill. In 1977, Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was declared, and in 1992 President George Bush declared Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Here are some suggestions to help you celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

  • Write a letter or article about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to your local or school newspaper.

  • Support local businesses that support the Asian Pacific American community.

  • Donate money or skills to Asian Pacific American community organizations.

  • Invite a neighbor or friend to an Asian Pacific American cultural event.

  • Find out about issues facing Asian Pacific Americans in your communities and ways that you can help.

For more information about Asian Awareness Week, contact Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell (SAAB) at 577-1095.