Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years, and have played an integral role in shaping our nation's history. Established in 1992, the month of May is designated as Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Congressman Frank Horton, who introduced the bill designating the month, credited former Capitol Hill Staffer Jeanie Jew with the idea, she initially approached Horton about the idea more than 15 years earlier. Jew witnessed the various events across the country throughout the 1960s and 70s celebrating the U.S. Bicentennial, Black History Month, and Hispanic Heritage Week. As a result, she pushed for a month recognizing the contributions of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders until the bill was signed into law.
The month of May was selected for two reasons: first, to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843; second, to honor the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, largely constructed through the work of up to 20,000 Chinese workers.
Baylor's first celebration of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month took place in 2016, following a push by the Department of Multicultural Affairs and the Coalition of Asian Students. We celebrate this time on campus from October through early November to ensure as many of our students can participate. The month is filled with activities such as the Autumn Moon Festival, Asian fest, and Asian Heritage Banquet.