May has been celebrated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month since 1990, despite recent federal withdrawal of recognition. Asian Americans represent nearly 25 million and include diverse ethnicities with complex histories. The term 'Asian American' can be contentious and misunderstood. Asian immigration to the U.S. began before 1776, notably increasing post-1849 with Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush. However, their contributions were met with hostility, leading to exclusionary laws and societal backlash.
"For the first time, in 1990, May was officially designated as a month honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, but the term Asian American remains shrouded by cultural misunderstanding."
"Yet when we refer to the even broader category of Asian Americans, a concept with a deep yet often unknown history, who exactly are we referring to?"
"The arrival of people from Asia to the U.S. long predates the country's founding in 1776, with Filipino sailors forming one of the first Asian settlements."
"Asian laborers in America were met by a surge of white nativist hostility and violence, a reaction codified in civil society groups and government laws."
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