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AAPI Heritage Month celebrates Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Over 24 million Americans are AAPI.
AAPI communities consist of approximately 50 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. In general, it includes all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia ( Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island).
May has significance to the AAPI community. May 7, 1843, marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States. May 10, 1869, or Golden Spike Day, recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., which had significant contributions from Chinese workers.
Take some time in May to celebrate the contributions of this diverse group to American culture! Click here to find out where to celebrate AAPI cultures in Phoenix.