Asian American and Pacific Islander Month 2025

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated from May 1-31, honoring the many contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

AAPI Heritage Month originated in 1977, according to asianpacificheritage.gov. That year, Rep. Frank Horton of New York introduced House Joint Resolution 540 to designate the first 10 days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week, with Sen. Daniel Inouye introducing a similar resolution in the U.S. Senate.

Although neither resolution passed initially, Rep. Horton introduced House Joint Resolution 1007 in June 1978, requesting that President Jimmy Carter proclaim the first 10 days of May 1979 as Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Week. The resolution passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Carter on Oct. 5, 1978.

For several years, presidents have issued annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Week. Then in 1990, Congress passed Public Law 101-283, which expanded the observance to a full month. In 1992, Public Law 102-450 was passed, officially designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

May was chosen to commemorate two significant events:

  • May 7, 1843: The first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States.
  • May 10, 1869: The transcontinental railroad was completed, with Chinese immigrant laborers playing a crucial role in its construction.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Triton College Library Will Be Celebrating AAPI Month

Visit the Library on May 1, 2025 to view a passive book display featuring works by and about Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and stories.

Enjoy Mah Jongg  - *new date*
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and Jewish Heritage Month by exploring the intriguing game of Mah Jongg on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2 p.m. in Room A-106 (A Building). Learn about the game’s origins in China and its popularity among Jewish American women in the United States. Join us for a fun and engaging session of play!

This event is sponsored by the Counseling and Wellness Services Department. For more information, please contact Mary Casey at Ext. 3811 or marycasey@triton.edu.

The PDC invites you to learn more information about AAPI month by visiting the Smithsonian Institute Display of AAPI Artifacts.

Triton College Student Spotlight: Raizele Arceo
Raizele Arceo of Melrose Park, Illinois, feels completely at ease in her educational environment at Triton College. The supportive environment that Triton offers has encouraged her to pursue higher education. In a field where women have historically been underrepresented, Arceo appreciates the positive influence of her women instructors, who have made her feel welcomed and empowered.

“It’s amazing to see women instructors in this field,” said Arceo. “I don’t feel out of place. I deserve to be here.”

Arceo aims to pursue an engineering career to create tools and toys for her younger brother, who has autism and is nonverbal. Her main goal is to help others with autism by creating products tailored to those on the spectrum.

“I want to help individuals with autism in their everyday lives,” she said.

Born in the Philippines, Arceo came to the United States when she was 14 years old. After graduating from East Leyden High School, she enrolled at a four-year university and, after some time, decided to take a break from college and felt uncertain about her next steps.

“My brother went to Triton College, and I was looking for a sense of familiarity. I decided to enroll,” she said of her educational journey. “I felt very inspired by him to go to Triton. He received so much support, especially from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). It motivated me to join PTK.”

Arceo met Antigone Sharris, chairperson of Triton’s Engineering Technology Department, her second semester at Triton. She said Sharris encouraged her to network with companies at a recent International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place.

“Antigone helped me realize the different opportunities I can reach with my degree in engineering technology,” said Arceo.

“Raizele has a keen eye for the details and is great working with others,” said Sharris. “These are key traits needed in our world!”

Looking ahead, Arceo plans to attend a university with hopes to study abroad and earn a bachelor’s degree.

“Triton can be for anyone because of the variety of classes, certificates and degrees they offer,” she said. “Regardless of background, many can succeed at Triton because of its supportive student-first structure and plethora of resources they provide.”

IN-DISTRICT AAPI HISTORY MONTH GATHERINGS

Gong Meditation
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 7-8 p.m.
Brookfield Library
3541 Park Avenue
Brookfield,IL

A Celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month
Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 9 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake Street
Oak Park

OTHER AAPI HISTORY MONTH GATHERINGS

Chicago Public Library’s Korean Book Discussion
Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 1-2 p.m.
400 South. State Street
Chicago, IL

Voices of the Vietnamese Diaspora: In Conversation with Nguyên Phan Quê Mai
Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 4-5 p.m.
Furama Restaurant
4936 North Broadway Street
Chicago, IL

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Thursday, May 22, 2025 from NOON-1 p.m.
Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building
100 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL

SUPPORT AAPI-OWNED RESTAURANTS

New Star Restaurant
7444 West North Avenue
Elmwood Park, IL
(708) 453-8242

Inari Sushi
7428 West North Avenue
Elmwood Park, IL
(708) 583-2300

White Crane Creative Thai & Sushi
819 South Harlem Avenue
Forest Park, IL
(708) 689-0969

New Pot Restaurant
727 Lake Street #1406
Oak Park, IL
(708) 383-1625

Mantra by Indian Garden
9438 West Irving Park Road
Schiller Park, IL
(847) 260-5777

SUPPORT AAPI OWNED BUSINESSES

Lee Spa Nails
8907 West Grand Avenue
River Grove, IL
(708) 583-3020

Divine Beauty Salon
10106 West Grand Avenue
Franklin Park, IL
(224) 781-2993

AAPI BOOKS AND AUTHORS

  • The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee.
  • Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong.
  • Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of An American People by Helen Zia.
  • The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
  • How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa.
  • Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong.
  • Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.

AAPI EDUCATIONAL LINKS

OTHER AAPI LINKS