May is a time for flowers and nicer weather. But the month is special for another reason too. It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month!
The U.S. government created AAPI Heritage Month. Officials chose May to remember the arrival of the first Japanese in 1843. The month also marks the date that workers completed the transcontinental railroad in 1869. That railway connected the eastern and western United States. Most of the workers were Chinese immigrants.
Read on to honor some important AAPI people!
Philip Vera Cruz (1904–1994)
Philip Vera Cruz was born in the island nation of the Philippines. He always dreamed of moving to the United States. That dream came true in 1926! Vera Cruz became a farmworker. He realized that America wasn’t everything he had thought it would be. Farmers worked long hours with little pay. In the 1950s, Vera Cruz brought Filipino farm workers together. Vera Cruz led strikes. He fought for workers’ rights.
Anna May Wong (1905–1961)
As a kid, Anna May Wong used her lunch money to go to the movies. She wanted to be a movie star. Wong was often bullied because of her race. But that didn’t stop her. She became the first Chinese American film star! Wong was in more than 60 movies. They included one of the first-ever movies in color.
George Takei (Born 1937)
Many know George Takei. He was in the TV show Star Trek. But before that, Takei lived a tough life. During World War II (1939–1945), Japan attacked the United States. As a result, the U.S. created Japanese
. The Takeis, from California, were one of thousands of families that were forced into these centers. George Takei stayed in these camps from about the ages of 5 to 9. In 2019, Takei wrote a graphic novel about his experience.
George Helm Jr. (1950–1977)
George Helm Jr. was an
from Hawaii. He spent his life protecting the land. In 1975, Helm turned his attention to the island of Kahoʻolawe. The United States was testing bombs there. This was destroying the land. Helm went to the island to protest. The bombing continued for years. Helm inspired many people.
Kamala Harris (Born 1964)
You have likely heard of Kamala Harris. After all, she is the vice president of the United States! Harris is the first Asian American person to hold that top job. Harris has said her family is a part of her success. She often talks about her mother. She was a scientist from India. “My mother had a saying: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things. But make sure you’re not the last.’”
Michelle Kwan (Born 1980)
Michelle Kwan can shred it on the ice. Kwan started ice skating at the age of 5. The Chinese American ice skater went on to win more than 40 championships. Those include five world championships. She even earned two Olympic medals! Kwan paved the way for other AAPI athletes.
Updated May 11, 2021, 5:01 P.M. (ET)
By Alexa Tirapelli
