May is designated each year by Congress to celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. Legislation was first introduced in 1977 to designate the first ten days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week because of the dates of two events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was largely constructed by Chinese workers.

Representative Frank Hortin of New York, at the urging of Capitol Hill staffer Jeanie Law, first introduced a resolution in 1977. In that same year, Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii introduced a similar resolution, however neither resolution was adopted. The following year, Horton introduced a new resolution which was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law October 5, 1978 by President Jimmy Carter. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to permanently designate May of each year to be Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month as signed in a proclamation in 2009 by President Barack Obama,

Proclamation 8369 of May 1, 2009 states:

“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.”

Asian American and Pacific Islander community

A Pew Research Center analysis indicated that in 2019 the Asian American and Pacific Islander community was the fastest growing racial demographic group in the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that in 2019 there were 22.9 million Asian American residents (including Chinese, Taiwanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese) and 1.6 million Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander residents. Chicago ranks as one of the top cities for relocation, with nearly three million Asian Americans living there.

Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage is especially important today because of the rise in violence against Asian Americans.

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)

The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) represents a large network of real estate professionals. It has grown to more than 17,000  members and 41 chapters across the United States and Canada, including the Illinois chapter in Greater Chicago. AREAA releases an annual State of Asia America report as a resource for industry professionals and decision makers, including Illinois REALTORS® members.

Illinois REALTORS® Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

Illinois REALTOR® members and clients thrive by encouraging diversity in the real estate industry. The Diversity & Inclusion Initiative was launched in 2020 to provide tangible resources to members across the state to diversify their businesses and markets. D&I resources are available online, and some highlights include:  

  • Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) Minority Scholarship 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Training Grants for Brokerages 
  • Teaching/Educational Videos and Interactive Tools 
  • Book Club Recommendations 

Editors Note: Celebrate Our Heritage This Year to Keep Us United, Strong and Resilient 

It is the heritage of EVERY one of us that makes our nation great. This year, Illinois REALTORS® will celebrate heritage months through an interesting perspective, highlighting our industry partners, to help unite us, make us stronger and more resilient. 

In May, Illinois REALTORS® celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring past, present and future Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders.

Each month, please review our information on the Illinois REALTORS® website, blog and social channels. Then share with us, either in writing or through a video, historical facts and/or stories of prominent historical REALTORS® figures that we may have missed. Or your thoughts on the coming heritage months.