Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Nyob Zoo! My name is Chin Lee, a second-generation Hmong American and senior at Central Michigan University. In my four years at CMU, I have been an active member of the Asian Cultural Organization working to increase Asian and Asian American visibility at our campus. When I was asked to help plan Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this year, I felt compelled to do so, to make a statement for my community that we are seen, heard and matter. I felt that by doing so, I can help to address the political and racial unrest our nation faces. This APAHM is special to me because it serves as a reminder of how far my community has come, but also as a testament to the work that we must do together for one another and in solidarity with other minority groups. I hope that from this month you can see just how resilient, proud and visible we are. Join me this year in sharing our history and heritage.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses 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 Easter Island).