Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage
Dear Readers,
We are always so enlightened when we research the history of declared celebratory months in our country. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is no different. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1978 Congress passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The observance expanded to a month (May) in 1992, which coincided with two important events in history: the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May of 1843), and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, using Chinese laborers. (Prior to that, the first documented Asians in the Americas were the Filipinos who landed in what is now California in 1587. In 1788, the first Native Hawaiians arrived in what would become Oregon.)
Originally, in the 1970s, congressional staffer Jeanie Jew first approached Representative Frank Horton with the idea of recognizing Asian Pacific Americans. As an update, in 2009, President Obama signed a Proclamation which recognized the “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” Then, in 2021, President Biden declared it “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.”
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council announced that the theme for the May, 2024 celebration is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.” This theme “Pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership. AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our Nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social/political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.”
By the numbers, and according to the 2021 census, there are approximately 20 million people of Asian descent in the United States; 35 is the median age; the largest population resides in Hawaii at 56.6 percent; and Asian-owned businesses make up about 10 percent of all businesses in 2020.
Along with this introductory information, please enjoy the many faces, stories, and local resources we have explored in the May 4, 2024 issue. Whether we enjoy food trucks, dragon boats, or local artists, let’s celebrate this delightful culture in Our Town.
Click here to view the Digital Version of the Issue
In life, our best-laid plans often take unexpected turns, leading us down paths we never imagined. Such is the case for Pam Liberda, head chef and owner of Waldo Thai. Pam has single-handedly introduced a new world of Thai cuisine to Kansas City and is on the list of who’s who among chefs. The James […]
Anyone with a penchant for the aromatic flavors of Indian food, the vibrant colors of a fine Sari, or a sporting game of cricket, may dream of traveling to the Jewel of the East. However, thanks to the India Association of Kansas City (IAKC), one needn’t make a journey overseas to enjoy these sensory delights. […]
Attend an event in Kansas City and chances are you may spot Irvzilla’s Hawaiian Grill, the city’s only food truck of its kind. With a unique brand, authentic Hawaiian flavors, and an equally noteworthy man behind the brand, this food truck is not one to miss. Irvin “Irv” Der, chef and owner, worked in the […]
On June 15th, Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza will come alive with the International Dragon Boat Festival. “This family-friendly, free event features the only dragon boat racing competition held in a creek,” said Joan Pu, vice president of the Society for Friendship with China. “The races will take place from 10 a.m. to […]
She loves being an advocate for women and the Asian community; she is crazy about the arts scene in Kansas City; she doesn’t fully understand the concept of downtime; and Jasmine Thompson is passionate about tequilas! This woman of many talents and flavors is an entrepreneurial spirit at heart and in practice. Born in Taiwan, […]
Several aspects of Benny Lee’s formative years in Taiwan became driving forces in his life, and engendered curiosity, toughness, and positivity that continue to inspire him to this day. The death of his father when Benny was just 13 impacted him greatly: He learned much about tenacity and self-reliance watching his mother learn new job […]
Chris Constant is a beautifully complicated man, yet so very humble and charming, it’s almost hard to believe that so many talents and qualities exist in just one soft-spoken man. As he unfolds, much like a piece of origami, we find out so many endearing and intriguing pieces. Born in South Korea and adopted by […]
Book clubs provide more than just thought-provoking discussions of books. They provide connection, camaraderie, and an enriching experience for readers. Interested in the advent of fully digital book clubs, I recently got the chance to interview Alexandra and Tiffany, the founders of Subtle Asian Book Club. Childhood best friends from the suburbs of Los Angeles, […]
Fortune smiled on Kansas City music lovers when Tamamo Someya and Mark Gibbs decided to marry and settle down here. Born in Japan just a few years apart, they traveled very different musical roads before converging, finally, at the Kansas City Symphony: Tamamo as principal second violin, Mark as principal cello. Curiously, at a couple […]
