Asian America Heritage Month

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Within the Asian/Asian American community at Northwestern is a diversity of culture, tradition, and talent. For Asian American Heritage Month during spring quarter, the Asian/Asian American community presents a collection of events including cultural shows, traditions, discussions, speakers, and philanthropic events.

History

• In June 1977, representatives Frank Horton of New York and Norman Mineta of California introduced a House resolution that called upon the President of the United States to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week.
• The following month, Hawai`i senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both resolutions were passed.
• Then in October 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution to designate the annual celebration.
• And in May 1990, President George H.W. Bush expanded the holiday further by designating May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
• May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Asians (Japanese) to the United States in 1843.