May is Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of AANHPI heritage, ethnic pride, history and accomplishments.
A congressional resolution in 1978 designated the first week of May as a commemoration of AAPI contributions to American culture; this was expanded to the entire month of May in 1992. This month was chosen as it was in May 1843 that the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States.
May also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. The majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants, accomplishing this hazardous work while challenging company leaders for equal pay and treatment.
Today, the AAPI acronym has been expanded to AANHPI to include Native Hawaiians, and encompasses individuals with backgrounds from Southern and Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Western Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands, each has its own unique culture, language, and history.
Further reading:
AsianPacificHeritage.gov
Creating a Welcoming and Supportive Community
SUNY Cobleskill is committed to creating a community of practice that fosters the exchange of ideas in a respectful and non-threatening way, and creates better understanding, awareness, and opportunities to learn from each other.
We reject bigotry, hateful speech, oppression, harassment, bullying, and all forms of injustice.
We believe in the inherent dignity of each person. We value fairness, civility, and kindness. We listen to, encourage, and support each other. We seek to instill in our faculty, staff and students a lifelong appreciation for the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion so that we can create a better world.
Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters:
SUNY Cobleskill Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan 2017-2022
Are you interested in becoming a part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council?