ACDIS update: Diversity and Inclusion Committee celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May marks both Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Awareness Month. To mark another significant aspect of this month with our ACDIS community, we asked the Committee to offer some thoughts on the importance of this month. Here’s what they had to say:

• “The month of May is a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our history, notably, the transcontinental railroad that was completed by Chinese workers in 1869. The railroad reduced travel time, allowing quicker distribution of goods, which helped to expand the U.S. economy. Bias and stereotypes continue to exist toward this group, despite over 20 million people identifying themselves as AAPI residents of the United States in the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau. This month is also a time to learn and commit to further understanding of the challenges, historic and contemporary barriers within this community.”
• “As an Asian American healthcare professional, Asian Pacific Heritage Month is a time to celebrate where I come from and honor the cultures that shape us. It reminds me that our differences make us special, and together, they make us stronger.”

We hope you’re taking a moment to mark this month with your departments and personally!

Editor’s note: Interested in learning more about upcoming months of recognition/celebration and holidays across cultures? Check out the 2025 calendar created by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, available to ACDIS members!