Asian American Heritage Month on DEI and Corporate Culture

1. Introduction to Asian American Heritage Month

Asian American Heritage Month (AAHM) takes place every May, dedicated to recognizing the cultural, historical, and social contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) within the United States. The observance shines a light on the unique experiences of AAPI communities, honoring their resilience, achievements, and the challenges they have faced. AAHM is also a vital component of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across America, helping to counter underrepresentation, foster cultural awareness, and promote allyship within communities and corporations alike.

The AAPI population is one of the most diverse groups within the United States, representing a wide array of ethnicities, languages, religions, and cultural backgrounds. From East Asia and Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent and the Pacific Islands, AAPI individuals contribute to a vast, vibrant cultural tapestry. Despite these contributions, however, AAPI communities have historically faced discrimination, exclusion, and underrepresentation. Stereotypes, such as the "model minority" myth, have obscured the struggles and diversity within AAPI groups, often marginalizing their voices and experiences in the broader narrative of American society.

In recent years, AAHM has gained recognition as a critical observance within the framework of DEI, especially in Corporate America, where diverse perspectives have proven essential to driving innovation and fostering a more inclusive workforce. By recognizing AAHM, companies and communities can promote awareness of AAPI history and challenges, working towards a more equitable society for all.

The following sections will provide a detailed analysis of Asian American Heritage Month, from its historical origins to its contemporary relevance. The article will explore the cultural importance of AAHM, its role within DEI initiatives, and its impact on Corporate America, offering insights into how both organizations and individuals can meaningfully engage with this month and support AAPI communities year-round.

2. Historical Context of Asian American Heritage Month

Early Asian Immigration to the United States

The history of Asian Americans in the United States dates back to the 19th century, when Asian immigrants first arrived seeking new opportunities and, in many cases, escaping political or economic hardships in their homelands. The earliest wave of Asian immigrants included Chinese laborers who arrived during the California Gold Rush of   the 1840s and 1850s, seeking fortune in the American West. By the 1860s, thousands of Chinese immigrants were employed in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, where they made up a significant portion of the labor force, despite receiving lower wages and facing harsher working conditions than their white counterparts. Their labor played a crucial role in connecting the East and West coasts of the United States, an achievement that transformed the country’s economy and infrastructure.

Following the Chinese immigrants, other groups, including Japanese, Korean, and Filipino laborers, began arriving in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many found employment in agriculture, fishing, and canning industries along the West Coast and in Hawaii, which became a key destination for Japanese and Filipino workers seeking economic opportunities. These early Asian immigrants contributed significantly to the development of industries critical to the U.S. economy; however, they were often met with hostility, exclusionary policies, and legal discrimination.

Exclusion and Discrimination: The Chinese Exclusion Act and Beyond

One of the darkest chapters in Asian American history is the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States and prevented Chinese nationals already in the country from obtaining citizenship. This was the first U.S. law to target a specific ethnic group for exclusion, and it set a precedent for other discriminatory policies against Asian communities. The Exclusion Act was not repealed until 1943, but its impact endured for generations, fostering anti-Asian sentiment and influencing later immigration policies.

Japanese immigrants also faced discrimination, particularly on the West Coast, where they were barred from owning land and restricted from certain professions. During World War II, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, leading to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans in camps across the United States. These individuals, many of whom were U.S. citizens, lost their homes, businesses, and freedoms, enduring harsh conditions in internment camps. The internment of Japanese Americans remains one of the most egregious violations of civil rights in U.S. history, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese American communities.

Filipino, Indian, and Korean immigrants also encountered prejudice and legal restrictions. Filipino immigrants, who were considered “nationals” of the United States when the Philippines was a U.S. territory, were subjected to discriminatory laws that barred them from citizenship and limited their employment opportunities. Indian immigrants, primarily from the Punjab region, faced similar obstacles, including racial discrimination and restrictive immigration laws. Despite these challenges, Asian immigrants continued to build communities, contribute to the economy, and advocate for civil rights, laying the groundwork for future generations.

Civil Rights Movement and the Emergence of Asian American Identity

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the history of Asian Americans, as the Civil Rights Movement inspired many marginalized groups to advocate for equal rights and recognition. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished previous quotas based on national origin, opening the doors to Asian immigrants and leading to a new wave of Asian immigration. This period saw the growth of a more cohesive Asian American identity, as individuals from diverse backgrounds—Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Indian, and others—began to organize collectively to challenge discrimination and promote their rights.

Asian American activists, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, played significant roles in advocating for social justice and Equality. Organizations like the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) emerged, uniting Asian Americans from different ethnicities in their fight for civil rights, labor rights, and anti-imperialism. Prominent leaders such as Yuri Kochiyama and Richard Aoki exemplified Asian American activism, working alongside African American leaders and other marginalized groups to challenge systemic discrimination and advocate for social change. This era was transformative for Asian Americans, as it laid the foundation 

for greater political representation and visibility within American society.

The Origins of Asian American Heritage Month

The concept of an Asian American Heritage Month originated in the late 1970s as part of a broader effort to increase the visibility of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American history and culture. In 1977, U.S. Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Mineta introduced a resolution in Congress to designate the first ten days of May as “Asian-Pacific Heritage Week.” May was chosen to commemorate two key historical events: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, which relied heavily on Chinese labor.

The resolution gained traction, and in 1990, Congress expanded the celebration to the entire month of May. By 1992, May was officially designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of AAPI communities. Since then, AAHM has grown into a nationally recognized observance, with government agencies, schools, and corporations hosting events to celebrate AAPI heritage and promote awareness of AAPI issues.

Goldman Sachs has also taken a proactive approach to AAHM, hosting discussions with AAPI leaders in various industries, sharing the accomplishments of AAPI employees, and providing educational resources to its workforce. By giving visibility to AAPI voices and experiences, Goldman Sachs fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Levi Strauss & Co. offers another example, as the company partners with AAPI organizations during AAHM to address community needs and promote cultural understanding. Levi Strauss encourages its employees to volunteer with AAPI-focused initiatives, supporting its commitment to social impact and inclusivity.

Benefits of AAHM Observance in the Workplace

Honoring AAHM in corporate settings benefits both companies and employees. Observing AAHM demonstrates that a company values diversity, boosting employee morale and fostering a sense of belonging for AAPI employees. Research shows that inclusive workplaces have higher employee engagement and retention, as employees are more likely to feel valued and supported.

For companies, AAHM observance can enhance brand reputation and appeal to consumers who prioritize social responsibility. Supporting AAHM signals that a company stands with AAPI communities, promoting customer loyalty and strengthening consumer trust. AAHM observance can also inspire innovation, as diverse perspectives within a workforce lead to unique ideas and approaches to problem-solving.

Avoiding Tokenism and Ensuring Authenticity

To avoid tokenism, companies must ensure that their AAHM initiatives are part of a broader commitment to DEI rather than isolated actions. Tokenism, or superficial recognition without meaningful support, can harm company culture and damage relationships with employees and customers alike. Authentic observance of AAHM involves sustained engagement with AAPI issues, supporting AAPI employees beyond May, and integrating AAHM initiatives into larger DEI efforts.

6. Future of Asian American Heritage Month in American Culture and Corporate America

The Growing Importance of AAHM in a Diverse America

As Asian Americans become one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, AAHM’s significance continues to expand. AAHM serves as a vehicle for advancing cultural awareness and DEI goals, reflecting the nation’s commitment to honoring its diverse population. In the future, AAHM will likely play an even greater role in fostering cross-cultural connections, advocating for AAPI rights, and influencing policies that support inclusivity.