How to Celebrate AAPI at Work
As an Asian-owned business, CultureAlly is proud to be celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with organizations around the world.
Below you’ll find some history and facts about AAPI, how to recognize the event at work, and we hope to see you in our next AAPI Training!
What is AAPI Heritage Month?
AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander. AAPI Heritage Month is a time to educate ourselves and celebrate the rich culture and history of the AAPI community.
It is a time to practice allyship and create a more inclusive environment for AAPI individuals.
It is celebrated annually during the entire month of May across the USA and Canada.
The month honors two significant milestones:
The first Japanese individuals to immigrate to the United States (May 7, 1843)
The anniversary of the transcontinental railroad built by Chinese immigrants (May 10, 1869).
The History of AAPI Heritage Month
1978: President Jimmy Carter signed a bill that proclaimed the first ten days in May to be Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week.
1990: Congress expanded that bill to include the entire month of May.
1992: Congress passed a new bill that declared May to be Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Key Events of Asian Peoples in North America
The People v. Hall
In 1854, the California Supreme Court presided over the People v. Hall case. A Chinese man witnessed a murder committed by a White man. However, his testimony was ruled inadmissible because Chinese people were seen as an inferior race with no right to participate in the U.S. government.
This discriminatory ruling set a dangerous precedent: an Asian person could not testify against a White person in court.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
In 1882, the United States Congress and President Chester A. Arthur pushed forward a law that banned Chinese labor immigration for 10 years and declared Chinese immigrants ineligible for naturalization.
The Bubonic Plague
In 1900, a Chinese-American man named Chick Gin became the first person to contract the Bubonic Plague in California. He lived in the basement of the Globe Hotel in San Francisco’s Chinatown. His patient zero status led the city’s Board of Health to quarantine the entirety of Chinatown.
This led to the normalization of racism toward Chinese people during the early 1900’s.
World War II and Japanese Internment Camps
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. This order came during World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
It forced Japanese people into internment camps where they would live for the next four years.
September 11, 2001
After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, anyone perceived to be Muslim became a target. Many non-Muslim AAPI individuals were mistaken for Muslims and experienced bias, discrimination, racism and violent hate crimes.
The mistreatment of AAPI individuals assumed to be Muslim continues to this day.
COVID-19
In 2020, the world was overtaken by a mysterious and deadly virus known as COVID-19. There are debates surrounding the origin of the virus, but many point to a lab in Wuhan, China.
This promotion of negative stereotypes was promoted during COVID-19 when it was referred to as the “Chinese virus” or the “Kung flu”.
AAPI establishments were targeted during the pandemic. In addition to losing valuable business during one of the worst economic depressions in U.S. history, these establishments were vandalized.
💡DID YOU KNOW: AAPI women typically experience hate crimes at twice the rate of AAPI men.
7 Ways to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at Work
Educate Yourself📖
AAPI individuals vary in color, shape, language, and religion. Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Filipino, Taiwanese, Mongolian, Sri Lankan, Cambodian and Vietnamese individuals are all a part of the AAPI community.
Take the time to research the fascinating history of the AAPI community. Learn about their resilience and diversity.
Ask employees to present on topics and individuals pertinent to the community. Create fun fact flyers with important information about AAPI culture and post them around the office.
2. Become a Chef for a Day 🍜
Cooking Asian cuisine will promote a greater appreciation for the various cultures within the AAPI community.
You’ll learn the methods and ingredients used by other cultures when preparing food. And, cooking is an excellent way to bond with friends, family and colleagues. There are hundreds of recipes online waiting to be taste-tested, so get started!
3. Watch an Asian-Inspired Movie 🎞️
Who doesn’t love a great film? Dedicate each Friday in May to exploring AAPI cinema with colleagues.
Minari, The Namesake, The Farewell, Better Luck Tomorrow, and Searching are all fantastic choices with stellar actors and culturally relevant storylines.
Or for a straight educational playlist, check out Documentaries to Watch for AAPI Heritage Month.
4. Support AAPI Businesses 🛍️
COVID-19 shut down many small businesses and left others on the brink of bankruptcy. This is particularly true for AAPI businesses which have experienced a steep decline in customers since the beginning of the pandemic.
Encourage colleagues to eat, drink and shop at AAPI owned businesses. Promote these businesses on your company’s social media accounts.
5. Fund an AAPI Related Cause 💵
Donating to the cause is an excellent way to show your support for AAPI individuals and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Below are several foundations that deserve the support of your company.
6. Practice Allyship 🚀
Beyond the month of May, stand up to the injustices that AAPI individuals face on a daily basis. If you notice unfair practices and policies in the workplace, have a conversation with your manager.
If you hear discriminatory comments, let the offender know that such language is not welcome. Beware of your own implicit biases and microaggressions.
7. Attend an Event or Workshop 🏟️
Whether virtual or in-person, attending an event or workshop that celebrates AAPI culture is an eye-opening experience. It’s an interactive adventure and an opportunity to meet new people.
Further Resources about AAPI Heritage
AAPI Books to Read
Heart and Seoul by Jen Frederick
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Fairest by Meredith Talusan
AAPI Articles to Read
AAPI Podcasts to Listen to
Celebrate Diversity Everyday
When the month of May ends, continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals:
Act as an ally and amplify the voices of colleagues who are overlooked.
Continue to educate yourself on the plight of the AAPI community.
Now more than ever, the AAPI community needs to be supported and uplifted.
