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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May)

May has been designated Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. This guide provides resources that highlight the history and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders.

Library Databases

Research Areas

Asian American & Pacific Islander History

  • Main ideas: migration patterns and community formation; historical milestones and collective identity; diverse cultural experiences
  • Keywords: immigration, diaspora, community history, generational change, ethnic identity

Civil Rights & Social Justice Movements

  • Main ideas: advocacy for equity and representation; dismantling discrimination and exclusion; landmark activism and legislation
  • Keywords: civil rights, activism, anti-racism, legislative change, social justice

Model Minority Myth & Stereotypes

  • Main ideas: myths and realities of AAPI experiences; impact of social stereotypes on identity, achievement, and mental health
  • Keywords: model minority, stereotypes, social perception, identity, academic pressure

Asian American & Pacific Islander Women’s Issues

  • Main ideas: roles, challenges, and achievements of AAPI women; historical and contemporary contributions
  • Keywords: gender studies, women’s rights, feminist perspectives, leadership, empowerment

Health & Wellbeing in AAPI Communities

  • Main ideas: health disparities and access; community-specific wellness concerns and cultural factors
  • Keywords: public health, mental health, healthcare access, health disparities, cultural competence

Language, Literature, & the Arts

  • Main ideas: AAPI linguistic heritage and literary traditions; artistic and creative expression in diverse forms
  • Keywords: heritage languages, literature, visual arts, performing arts, film, storytelling

Economic Contributions & Entrepreneurship

  • Main ideas: labor history and economic impact; barriers, innovation, and business ownership
  • Keywords: entrepreneurship, labor history, economic development, business leadership

AAPI Genealogy & Family History

  • Main ideas: tracing ancestry and family connections; preservation of oral histories and cultural memory
  • Keywords: genealogy, ancestry, oral history, cultural heritage, family records

Political Engagement & Leadership

  • Main ideas: participation in the U.S. government and policy; civic activism and community leadership
  • Keywords: voting, civic engagement, policy, representation, political leadership

Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian & Indigenous Issues

  • Main ideas: distinct cultural histories; contemporary challenges; sovereignty and land rights
  • Keywords: indigenous rights, Pacific Islander identity, Native Hawaiian issues, cultural preservation