What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
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What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a month-long celebration which recognizes the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). In 1977, congressional lawmakers proposed bills for the creation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. After passing a law for a 7-day commemoration in 1978, Congress passed a law in 1992 which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
What is the APIEventsProfs?
The role of APIs in the meetings and events industry has historically flown under the radar. They have been under-represented in industry leadership and social media. COVID-19 has increased anti-API sentiment and violence towards API groups including those who work in the meetings and events industry. The APIEventProfs Group was formed to amplify these voices and offers a few spaces to spur discussion, solutions and challenges specific to meetings and events through LinkedIn and Facebook groups and industry programming. The mission of both groups is to “educate and elevate the role of Asian Pacific Islanders in the meeting and event profession, including educating about the rise of API related hate crimes and their impact on our industry”.
How can I get involved?
Here are ways you can celebrate AAPIHM month and support APIEventProfs — not just this month, but all year round.
1) Tune in or speak about your AAPI Heritage programming through the Heritage Month Festival 2022, Stop Asian Hate, learn how Asians are contributing, why it's important to you and what can you do. Every Wednesday, 12-2pm PST.
2) Join the APIEventsProf Group on LinkedIn or Facebook, where the mission is to EDUCATE and ELEVATE the role of Asian Pacific Islanders in the meetings and event profession, including educating about the rise of API related hate crimes and their impact on our industry.
3) Join the MPI AAPI Forum where it is a safe space to receive support and have conversations, represent and amplify the voices of the Asian community and provide resources that help stand for justice.
4) Explore AAPI History
The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is the core of this observance. PBS has a great documentary series about the history of identity, contributions and challenges experienced by Asian Americans.
5) Support Your AAPI Community
The Asian community has experienced an uptick of hate incidents, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learn, and speak up when you see or hear anti-Asian sentiment.
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