In October 1587, the first Filipinos landed in what is now the Continental United States at Morro Bay, California. In 1778, the first Chinese immigrants landed in Hawaii. The Japanese followed the Chinese, and in 1806 they too established a presence in Hawaii. May is set aside as a point in time for all Americans to reflect on the contributions of the AAPI community. Learn more about AAPI Heritage Month by visiting this webpage.
For the last four years, the Asian American Foundation has conducted a public attitudes survey to benchmark how Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are perceived of and treated in the United States. The surveyed more than 6,000 Americans nationwide for their 2024 STAATUS index, and highlighted three key findings:
- Americans don’t think hate towards Asian Americans has increased, but Asian Americans disagree.
- Because of discrimination, violence, and a lack of representation, only 38% of Asian Americans completely agree that they belong, and even fewer feel that they are fully accepted.
- Advocacy for Asian Americans and celebration of their stories must extend beyond AAPI Heritage Month; it is noted that 55% of Americans surveyed are unable to name a single event of policy related to Asian Americans.
The survey asked Americans how to address relationships with the Asian community.
- At least 60% want more opportunities to interact with and learn more about each other
- Nearly 60% want to see more Asian American represented on tv shows and in movies
The top ideas for decreasing racism are to:
- Teach the history of Asian Americans in k-12 schools and colleges;
- Increase the visibility of Asian Americans in society;
- Provide more opportunities to interact with Asian Americans
This month, we are sharing ideas for exploring Asian American history and culture in our region with your colleagues, families and friends.
Learn
- Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
- Anne Arundel County Public Library - AAPI Events and Booklist
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the AACPL system is hosting family friendly events at libraries around the County, and has compiled a book list that we can use all year round.
Experience
- National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20013)
- Towson University Asian Arts & Culture Center
- Programs & Exhibitions
- Asian & Pacific Restaurant Month, Asian American Chamber of Commerce
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce has declared June 2024 to be Asian Pacific Restaurant Month. For more information, visit their site: https://asian-americanchamber.glueup.com/event/aacc-restaurant-month-103760/
- Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Restaurant Directory
Our official destination marketing and management organization maintains a directory of restaurants which can be researched by type of cuisine, including Asian food.
- Anne Arundel Asian American Festival
The 2024 event was held in April, but the organizer hopes to make it an annual event. Mark your calendars for next year!
- Annual Maryland Korean Festival
Hosted by the Korean Society of Maryland. The event has been in September at Arundel Live for the last few years, and Anne Arundel County really shows up. The new date is forthcoming.