Every May, National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed. The observance celebrates the contributions made by AANHPIs to American history, society, and culture. On May 1st, UW Medicine raised a flag to acknowledge the staff, faculty, patients, and neighbors of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. These communities are diverse and thriving, consisting of dozens of ethnicities and exponentially more unique languages and dialects.
Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders hail from over 30 countries and speak over 100 languages. Their ancestry can be traced to the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders comprise those who descended from Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
The United States first recognized AANHPI heritage in 1978. In 1992, a week-long recognition turned into a month-long celebration to commemorate the rich heritage of the AANHPI community. The theme for the 2024 recognition is "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation," which aims to highlight the innovative contributions of AANHPI individuals in various fields, from technology and healthcare to arts and culture, and their role in shaping the future of America. Read more