A joint resolution proclaiming Asian American Heritage Week, proposed by Representative Frank Horton, was passed by the first signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. In 1990, Asian American Heritage Week was expanded to a month and May was officially designated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month in 1992. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In light of the increase in Anti-Asian hate and violence over the past year, our 2021 APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American) Heritage Month online exhibit highlights activism and political engagement in APIDA communities.
