What is AAPI Heritage Month? Asian Amer­i­can and Pacific Islander Heritage Month takes place in May every year. It is a time to honor and cele­brate the cultural heritage and contri­bu­tions of Asian Amer­i­can and Pacific Islander commu­ni­ties. This year’s theme of recog­niz­ing AAPI figures, such as Jackie Chan, Dwayne John­son, and Keanu Reeves, high­lights the impor­tance of recog­niz­ing the accom­plish­ments of indi­vid­u­als in these communities.

“I cele­brate it by watch­ing Bruce Lee and Rush Hour movies.” says Hayden Laboy (Sophomore).There are many ways to cele­brate AAPI Heritage Month. In addi­tion to watch­ing movies with AAPI leads, like Jackie Chan in ‘Rush Hour’. Consider explor­ing AAPI culture, music, art, and cuisine. You can also attend festi­vals and parties held across vari­ous states, such as the ‘May is Asian Heritage Month Cele­bra­tion’ in Virginia Beach, to immerse your­self into Asian Amer­i­can culture.

“We should cele­brate it because it’s honor­ing a minor­ity in Amer­ica.” says Samuel Klubes (Fresh­man). It is espe­cially impor­tant since these minori­ties combined make up less than seven percent of the U.S population.