Read a book, attend a cultural event, watch a movie or browse online to recognize and appreciate the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during AAPI Heritage Month in May.

AAPI activity in Illinois

On May 3, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker officially declared May as AAPI Heritage Month in Illinois. Read more.

Did you know the Chicago Association of REALTORS® is hosting a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Thurs., May 25 at the CAR offices, 430 North Michigan Ave.? Pre-register by noon, Wed., May 24 to secure your spot. Cost is $10 for CAR members, $40 for non-members. A limited number of registrations will be accepted depending on availability.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has an in-person event and a virtual event scheduled for Wed., May 24. Register now for the 10 a.m., hour-long virtual event, “Advancing the AAPI Community through Opportunity,” is part of a webinar series offered by the Illinois Small Business Development Center. It will feature a panel discussion with AAPI leaders.

The in-person event is free, “AAPI in Tech: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration,” starts at 5 p.m. at TechNexus Venture Collaborative, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., in Chicago. Register now for the event that includes five guest speakers who will explore the state of AAPI professionals in Chicago’s startup ecosystem, who share what AAPI Heritage Month means to them and how other key issues affect them.

To find more information about AAPI Heritage events in your area, check with your local library or with a nearby college or university.

History of AAPI Month

Since 2009, Americans have observed AAPI 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.”

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

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.

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.