When you think of a form of money, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? If I am right, most people reading this may have thought about banknotes/paper bills. You know, money in the form of a piece of paper that can buy you an ice cream cone, or maybe a house, if you have enough. Did you know that these paper bills, one of the primary foundations for running economies around the world, was invented by an Asian? What about one of the most popular watersports, surfing? Surfing, a sport home to approximately 35 million people worldwide, was invented by a Pacific Islander. There are numerous inventions that our society can thank Asians and Pacific Islanders for. This is one of the many reasons why people around the world should recognize Asian and Pacific Islander culture and accomplishments and learn to appreciate it. Luckily, the month of May gives people an opportunity to educate themselves on Asian and Pacific Islander culture, help them embrace it, and even help them embrace their own culture.

In 1992, United States President George H. W. Bush officially designated the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, also known as Asian American Pacific Islander Month (AAPI Month). May was specifically designated AAPI Month because it honors the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in the United States on May 7, 1843. It was also chosen because it commemorates the work of the Chinese that contributed to the building of the transcontinental railroad, completed on May 10, 1869. AAPI Month commemorates the cultures and the important roles that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the formation of the United States. Everyone should take the opportunity to celebrate AAPI Month, as it can be done so in easy ways. Below is a list of 4 ideas on how to celebrate AAPI Month and support Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

1. Support local restaurants run by Asians or Pacific Islanders.

• Getting food from a local AAPI restaurant is not only a great way to support the owners themselves, but also gives you an opportunity to diversify in different delicious cuisines. Never had Filipino food before? Try Lumpia! Interested in Indian Food? Chicken Tikka Masala is a must! Once you have had the traditional Hawaiian dish of Loco Moco you’ll be fighting the urge for another plate!
• Some delicious AAPI-owned restaurants around St. Edward are:
  • White Pearl Restaurant (265 S McLean Blvd, Elgin, IL 60123)
  • Poke Ono (1235 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195)
  • India Foodie (698 S Barrington Rd, Streamwood, IL 60107)
  • Thai Town Restaurant (359 N McLean Blvd #1438, South Elgin, IL 60177)

2. Support an AAPI author.

• Whether you’re a fiction reader or a non-fiction reader, reading books written by an AAPI author is a fun and relaxing activity that supports them.
• Some great fiction books by AAPI authors:
  • These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
  • Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  • Frangipani by Célestine Hitiura Vaite
  • We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
  • The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
  • Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
• Some great non-fiction books by AAPI authors:
  • Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
  • Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
  • Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
  • From a Native Daughter: Colonialism and Sovereignty in Hawai’i by Haunani-Kay Trask

3. Donate to an AAPI nonprofit organization.

• There are hundreds of AAPI nonprofits that support important causes. Some Include:
  • Asian Mental Health Collective– Supports the accessibility for mental health Asian communities worldwide.
  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice– Supports Asian American civil rights and fighting Anti- Asian Racism.
  • EPIC– Advocates for political power for Pacific Islanders.
  • Papa Ola Lōkahi- Advocates for the improvement of physical, mental, and spiritual health of Native Hawaiians.

4. Educate others on AAPI month.

• A great way to start is by sharing this article with family, friends, and peers to inform them of the importance of AAPI month!

While it is important to take time to celebrate AAPI accomplishments and culture in May, it is just as important to do so any time of the year. Celebrating AAPI month not only helps people celebrate different Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, but the unity of the AAPI community and culture may even inspire them to embrace their own culture. Doing even the smallest thing to celebrate AAPI month is a big step to embracing our world’s differences.