By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Opportunity & Impact
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of AANHPI communities in the United States. In 1977, Representative Frank Horton and Senator Daniel Inouye introduced resolutions to establish a week of recognition in early May. Although the original efforts didn’t pass, a revised resolution led to President Jimmy Carter signing it into law in 1978, officially creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week starting in 1979. Over time, this recognition grew, and by 1992, May was officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. In 2009, the name was updated to AAPI Heritage Month and then to AANHPI Heritage Month in 2021 to better reflect the identities of the communities it honors.
This month invites us not only to celebrate rich cultural traditions and meaningful contributions, but also to stand in solidarity, uplift AANHPI voices, and honor their journey, recognizing both the struggles and the triumphs that shape these communities.
Engage in the workplace
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month in the workplace is by hosting educational events or speaker panels. Inviting AANHPI leaders, community members, or subject matter experts to share their experiences and insights helps deepen understanding and create meaningful connections. These events can range from historical discussions to personal storytelling.
Highlighting the voices within your own organization is another powerful way to celebrate. Consider featuring employee spotlights in newsletters, on internal platforms, or during team meetings. Allow AANHPI team members to share their heritage, traditions, and what the month means to them to foster a culture of inclusion and visibility, while encouraging your organization to learn and engage.
Finally, offering accessible learning resources is a great way to extend the impact of AANHPI Heritage Month beyond scheduled events. Curate and share book lists, articles, podcasts, and documentaries that highlight AANHPI history, voices, and experiences. Creating a dedicated resource hub gives employees the freedom to explore these materials at their own pace. It also encourages ongoing dialogue, allowing individuals to reflect, share insights, and connect with one another through what they’re learning.
Attend an event
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends, or family to AANHPI Heritage Month festivities, here are some local events:
AAPI Family Weekend– 10-2 p.m., Saturday, May 10
Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75021
Join the AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Police Department for a free, vibrant celebration of culture and community. Featuring Asian cuisine, lion dances, cultural demos, a vendor market, and a fun culinary passport activity for all ages.
Strings Attached Across the Pacific– 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 10, and 2 p.m., Sunday, May 11
Wyly Studio Theatre, 2400 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Strings Attached Across the Pacific is a cross-cultural concert featuring Eastern instruments—the Korean haegeum and Chinese erhu—alongside a Western string quartet. It will premiere Calling of the Whales, a 45-minute piece by Hee Yun Kim inspired by whale sounds and the unique blend of the ensemble.
AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival– Racing begins at 8:30 a.m., festival is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the awards ceremony for the races is from 4-5 p.m. Sunday, May 18
The Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake, 521 E. Lawther Dr., Dallas, TX, 75218
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Enjoy live performances, hands-on workshops, art, food, vendors, and the exciting Dragon Boat race-watch or paddle along!
Asian Heritage Fest at Asia Times Square– May 9-11
Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Join for three days of fun, food, and culture while honoring the contributions and impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) in our society.
May holidays to celebrate
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th, a day to honor and celebrate the love, strength, and care of mothers and maternal figures. It’s a time to express gratitude for the vital role they play in our families and communities.
Armed Forces Day follows on Saturday, May 17th, recognizing and showing appreciation for the dedication and service of those currently serving in the U.S. military. It’s an opportunity to thank active-duty service members for their ongoing commitment to protecting the nation.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 26th. It is a solemn day of remembrance, honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. Observing this day reminds us of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy and the importance of preserving their legacy.
Finally, Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of Jewish Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. It highlights the diverse experiences and resilience of the Jewish community, honors their role in shaping American society, and promotes understanding and respect for religious and cultural diversity.