Embracing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024: Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future
As May unfolds, we enter a time of reflection and celebration as we honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month. This year, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center proudly present the joint 2024 theme: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”
Since the late 1970s, our nation has dedicated May to recognizing the invaluable contributions of AA and NHPI communities. Collaborating with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, WHIAANHPI has meticulously crafted annual themes to foster dialogue and celebrate identity. This year’s theme is a call to honor our past, acknowledge our present, and envision our future.
“Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future” pays homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities. It symbolizes our collective journey – one defined by resilience, hope, and interconnectedness – and encourages intergenerational connections to pave a path forward.
To commemorate this theme, the White House and WHIAANHPI will host a landmark celebration on May 13, 2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. This historic gathering will unite over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders spanning five presidential administrations, marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
“Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future” embodies the rich tapestry of AA and NHPI heritage – from Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to immigrants and refugees who sought better opportunities. It acknowledges the trailblazers who paved the way for progress and celebrates the myriad ways diverse AA and NHPI communities have enriched American life.
As we observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us embrace the interconnectedness of our stories and honor the visionaries who came before us. Let us commit to spotlighting the resilience and contributions of AA and NHPI communities and endeavor to build bridges across generations, experiences, and cultures. Together, let us shape a future where all can thrive.
Join us in commemorating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024 and celebrating the diverse and vibrant tapestry of AA and NHPI heritage.
#AsianPacificAmericanHeritageMonth #BridgingHistoriesShapingOurFuture #CAPEInclusion
As May unfolds, we enter a time of reflection and celebration as we honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month. This year, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center proudly present the joint 2024 theme: “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”