May is Asian, Pacific American, & Desi American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the rich diversity of Americans with heritage linking them to Asia and the Pacific islands.[1] This broad category encompasses individuals from across the Asian continent and the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Several terms are commonly used to represent these diverse communities, including Asian Pacific American (APA) and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI). Throughout this display, we will use the acronym APIDA, which stands for Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American. "Desi" refers to people and communities originating from the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The origins of this commemorative month can be traced back to legislative efforts in Congress in 1977. Representative Frank Horton and Senator Daniel Inouye introduced resolutions to establish a dedicated period recognizing these communities. While the initial proposals did not pass, the observance was eventually established as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week" in May 1978. Over time, the celebration was expanded to encompass the entire month of May, and it was permanently designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992.

The month of May was selected to commemorate two significant historical events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was accomplished in large part through the labor of Chinese immigrants amidst dangerous conditions and exploitative practices.[2]

In this digital display, we highlight significant individuals and provide eBooks on APIDA health issues. There is also a list of online resources that provide more information, data, and statistics on APIDA health topics.

"Asian, Pacific Islander, & Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month" Introductory Image
Created by Health Sciences Librarian Ivan Portillo.

References
1. Library of Congress. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Accessed April 9, 2024. 
2. Muñoz Pandya M. The Transcontinental Railroad and the Asian-American Story. Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Published November 18, 2019. Accessed April 25, 2024.