Illinois REALTORS® can commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month by reading a book, watching online events, attending an in-person event or joining the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).

History of AAPI Heritage Month

Since 2009, Americans have observed Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during May, although Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played important roles in the history, culture and development of the United States for centuries.

In 1978, legislation was passed in the House and the Senate, and signed by President Jimmy Carter, to designate the first 10 days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. Early May was chosen to correspond with two historic events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the U.S. (May 7, 1843), and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869), which was largely constructed by Chinese workers.

In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to annually designate the month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In May 2009, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation that read:

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have endured and overcome hardship and heartache. In the earliest years, tens of thousands of Gold Rush pioneers, coal miners, transcontinental railroad builders, as well as farm and orchard laborers, were subject to unjust working conditions, prejudice, and discrimination – yet they excelled. Even in the darkness of the Exclusion Act and Japanese internment, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have persevered, providing for their families and creating opportunities for their children.

“Amidst these struggles, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed in great and significant ways to all aspects of society. They have created works of literature and art, thrived as American athletes, and prospered in the world of academia. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played a vital role in our Nation’s economic and technological growth by establishing successful enterprises and pushing the limits of science. They are serving in positions of leadership within the government more now than ever before. And along with all of our great service men and women, they have defended the United States from threats at home and abroad, serving our nation with valor.”

In person event

At 5 p.m. May 19, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and the AREAA – Greater Chicago are presenting a “Celebration of Asian Heritage Month” through food, dance and the arts at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago.

CAR Small Business Grants

Asian American Pacific Islander small business owners with brick and mortar locations in Chicago that have been impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply by May 20 for the second round of CAR Small Business Grants.

Books

Find a book by an AAPI author or about AAPI history, such as:

  • The Making of Asian America: A History by Erika Lee
  • Speak, Okinawa: A Memoir by Elizabeth Miki Brina
  • They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott and Harmony Becker
  • When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (winner of 2021 Newbery Medal)
  • The Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen

Online events

The Library of Congress, in collaboration with the National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is offering several online events in celebration of “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.” Some events that have already occurred are available as recordings.

  • May 4 – Herb Ohta Jr., performs in concert: “Ukelele Virtuoso from Hawai’i.”
  • May 19 – “Culinasia: The Future of Asian Food in America: Southeast Asia Got Something to Say.” Celebrity chefs and restauranteurs Jet Tila, Christina Hà and Vilailuck “Pepper” Teigen are part of this production. Registration required for Zoom program.
  • May 19 – “A Gift to Be Simple: Japanese-American Influence in Appalachian Spring.” In this lecture, Gettysburg College’s Professor Marta Robertson discusses the Japanese-American influence of dancer Yuriko Kikuchi and set designer Isamu Noguchi on the 1944 ballet, “Appalachian Spring,” which was choreographed by Martha Graham and composed by Aaron Copland. Kikuchi and Noguchi were detained in internment camps.

Realogy has scheduled several events:

  • May 11, noon to 1 p.m. – (Register by Zoom) Let’s Cook! Celebrating Festivals and Food from Asian and Pacific Islander Regions – Hosted by Saxena, Nandita & Chatterjee, Sukanya, with One Voz’s Chris Padilla & Lovelace, Bonnie Sue
  • May 25, Noon to 1 p.m. – (Register by Zoom) Fireside Chat with AREAA – How COVID has changed the face of migration for AAPI in the U.S. – hosted by Angela, Tsai.

AREAA in Illinois

AREAA Greater Chicago is an industry partner of Illinois REALTORS® and many REALTOR® members in the Chicago area also are members of AREAA Greater Chicago. Elizabeth “Liz” Goodchild of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate is the president.

AREAA represents a large network of real estate professionals. It has grown to more than 17,000 members and 41 chapters across North America.  AREAA releases an annual State of Asia America report as a resource for industry professionals and decision makers, including Illinois REALTORS® members.