Asian Pacific Heritage Month celebrates and pays tribute to a rich Asian Pacific culture in May.

Pierce College’s ASPIRE helps fund low-income Asian Pacific American students and teaches and shares a common culture through many kinds of activities, such as volunteering with NW Furniture that serves over 130 families a month by building the furniture. This year they hosted Pierce’s Earth Day events which included a carnival to teach students how to separate the trash and to analyze the garbage.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was first started in a 1979 as a way to acknowledge the significant role Asian Pacific Americans play in U.S. society with their contributions they’ve made to the sciences, arts, industry, government and commerce. Then-American president Jimmy Carter described America as a land of hope, opportunity and freedom. In creating the month, he pointed out that Asian Pacific Americans face many challenges such as education, employment and acquiring the rights necessary to live on their own and be treated equally.

On May 7, 1990, then-U.S. President George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the month of May as the first Asian Pacific Heritage Month. The people of the United States were called upon to observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities.

Since then, Americans have found many ways to honor Asian Pacific Americans who have and continue to enrich our country. Some suggestions in how to participate in the month:

Join activities in Asian Pacific American temples, mosques, or churches

Visiting a place of worship is a way to learn about the beliefs of others and how to respect others’ religious perspectives.

The Asian-Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma offers programs and services, and represent 47 different countries and cultures. Events vary from culinary journeys exploring different foods traditionally served in various countries to celebration festivals. The center is located at 4851 South Tacoma Way. More information can be found at asiapacificculturalcenter.org.

Learn about the history of Asian Pacific Americans 

Talking to Asian American immigrants and their families is a positive way to learn about their history. One way to do this is by visiting an Asian restaurant and talking to the owners while waiting or eating. Many restaurant owners are open to sharing about their experiences and struggles as immigrants, and what it is like to start a new business in a new country.

Read books about Asian Pacific Americans

There are many books written by Asian Pacific Americans describing their experiences as immigrants. Author Amy Tan, whose parents immigrated from China to San Francisco when she was young, learned how to blend the culture from her native country with America’s culture. In the novel, “The Joy of Luck Club,” Tan describes the relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters.

Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration

11:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 6

Free Admission

Seattle Center Armory

Thousand Faces Chinese Opera

7:15 p.m. May 12

Chief Sealth International High School

7:15 p.m. May 13

Pantages Theatre, Tacoma

More information about Asian Pacific American events asianpacificheritage.gov.

Participate in ASPIRE’s events tinyurl.com/ya5oro9w.