What is AAPI?

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AAPI is an umbrella term standing for Asian American and Pacific Islander. It encompasses a vast, highly diverse group of people tracing their heritage to dozens of countries across East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. 

The Breakdown

• Asian Americans: Individuals with ancestry from places like China, India, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea.
• Pacific Islanders: Individuals with ancestry from places like Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, Fiji, and Tonga.
• Scope: The demographic represents roughly 50 distinct ethnic groups speaking over 100 different languages, making it one of the fastest-growing and most diverse racial groups in the U.S.
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AAPI Heritage Month

May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This time is dedicated to celebrating the rich history, cultural contributions, and resilience of AAPI communities in the United States. 

• Why May? The month was chosen to commemorate two major historical milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 (which relied heavily on Chinese immigrant labor). 
• How to get involved: You can explore local events and historical resources curated by the National Park Service to learn more about AAPI contributions. 

Advocacy & Research

Because "AAPI" groups a very wide array of cultures together, organizations work to break down specific data to address the unique needs, challenges, and civic engagement of these communities. 

• AAPI Data: For granular demographic, economic, and political polling data, you can check out AAPI Data.
• Stop AAPI Hate: To find resources, report incidents, or support advocacy efforts against xenophobia and discrimination, visit Stop AAPI Hate Action. 

• Home - Stop AAPI Hate Action

  TAKE ACTION. Join the fight to protect and empower AAPI communities. Act Now. GET THE FACTS. Explore our research on anti-AAPI hat...

  

  

  stopaapihate.org
• AAPI Data: Homepage

  In order to understand the present state and the future of charitable giving in America, we need to better understand the charitab...

  

  

  AAPI Data
• Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month

  Image credit: Detail of A Group of Women in a Garden, Entertaining Themselves with Music and Dancing, unknown artist. National Mus...

  

  

  Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (.gov)

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