Throughout May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In addition to celebrating AAPI history through books, we also step up and fight AAPI hate. From local fundraisers to rallies, AAPI communities are developing solutions to fight racism. During AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to learn about the rich history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders! Here are some ways to commemorate AAPI heritage and support the community.

Read, Watch, and Listen to AAPI Stories

Have you zipped through our AAPI Heritage Month Book List? Maybe you’re looking for something shorter than a book? Or maybe you are an audio and visual learner? We’ve got you covered! Here is a list of articles, videos, and podcasts to enjoy during AAPI Heritage Month. Click the links below and get ready to learn! AAPI Heritage Month Fun Facts (Article/Downloadable Resource) How One Woman's Story Led to the Creation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (Article) The story behind Asian Pacific American Heritage, and why it's celebrated in May (Article) ASIAN | How You See Me (Short Video) Long Distance (Podcast) Self Evident (Podcast)

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by Supporting AAPI-owned Small Businesses!

The AAPI community’s contributions to society are immense. According to Ian Shin, AAPI Heritage Month gives everyone “an opportunity to lift each other up, celebrate, and express pride in different parts of the community.” Above all, one of the most direct ways to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is to shop at AAPI-owned businesses. Check out this list of AAPI-owned small businesses to support! Some of these small businesses also donate their proceeds to create social change.

Take Action: Stop Asian Hate

The Stop AAPI Hate coalition launched on March 19, 2020. Stop Asian Hate is a movement that shows how communities stand united. Most importantly, the coalition works together to advance equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism. Visit StopAsianHate.org, learn more about AAPI history, and take action. Lastly, check out this timeline of monumental Asian American and Pacific Islander events.

Lead For Racial Equity is one of our organization’s guiding core values.

Secondly, Achievement First denounces racism and actively works to dismantle it. Commemorating AAPI heritage and fighting racism goes beyond the month of May. That is to say, they are everyday actions. In order to truly express our appreciation for our AAPI friends and neighbors, we must acknowledge what the community has faced and triumphed over. In the same vein, we acknowledge the community's impact on all facets of society. Moreover, we reflect on what we all must do to improve this country’s impact on the AAPI community. During the month of May (and beyond), we honor their full experience.