Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is an important month in which we recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage thousands of years old and have both shaped the history of the United States and had their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history.

*"May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and I would like to share Korean New Year traditions. It is one of the most important traditional Korean holidays when people visit their family, wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothes), eat traditional food, and play fun folk games. Also, children perform a formal bow (Sebae), which is a gesture of showing respect to elders. They receive money and good words from their elders after performing the bow, sometimes you can raise big pocket money!

I am married to a family who immigrated 40 years ago, and we still keep this family tradition in the US. Now we have four generations from all over the US gather every New Year just for this event! We enjoy sharing family announcements, welcoming new family members, and wishing one another Happy New Year. We couldn't meet this year due to COVID-19, but hopefully we can continue our tradition next year. I am so blessed to have a family who are proud of their roots and want to pass down this great heritage to the next generations."*

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  About Asian/Pacific Heritage Month
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  Standing together against hate - resources from the Smithsonian Institution
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  The National Park Service celebrates AAPI Heritage Month