Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate when the first Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. on May 7, 1843. The month also recognizes the completion of the transcontinental railroad (May 10, 1869) as the majority of the project’s workers were Chinese immigrants.
In honor of this month, we celebrate the achievements of generations of Asian Pacific Americans as well as recognize the challenges and obstacles many still face. As we do, we are grateful to our colleagues who were willing to share their own personal stories as an Asian Pacific American.