Asian American and Pacific Islander Month: History, Important Figures, and What it Means to Hamilton High School
Cover photo by Irina Iriser from Pexels.
Truth Frazier
The month of May has been declared as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month (AAPI Month) for 33 years, being declared an official month by Congress in 1992. It is extremely important that this month is recognized as monumental and important, not only for the significance of Asian heritage inside of the United States, but also for the significance of current Asian Americans who were the backbone of Asian American culture, war, and civil rights.
Asian American figures like Chien-Shiung Wu, a Chinese-American physicist who was one of the most important figures in discovering nuclear physics, or activists like Corky Lee who photographed the daily lives of Asian immigrants, and even world-renowned actors like Jackie Chan and Anna May Wong—they all made up immensely important parts of not only Asian American history and culture but American culture as a whole. And generals and soldiers that fought in World War ll and the Vietnam War like General Vang Pao who led the CIA’s special guerrilla warfare unit, or Brigadier General Albert Lyman who was the first AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) to gain general officer status. These extremely prominent figures have paved the way for many more amazing and iconic Asian American figures to come.
AAPI Month has been in action for multiple decades now and has brought an immense sense of togetherness and greatly improved the safety culture of the United States for Asian Americans. This is seen in the many events and celebrations held around the country. Just on the 10th of this May, Wisconsin celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hmong people coming over to America and settling in Wisconsin. Other events like the Cambodian New Year, also known as Sangkran, are held all across the country at multiple locations in various states. Although this event happens exclusively in May, there are many other Asian culture’s new years and celebrations throughout the entire year. These occasions are not only used to celebrate and represent culture, but to introduce the culture to people who might not know of Asian traditions and heritage.
Within Hamilton High School, AAPI members of the community bring great value to the district. Heritage Club advisor Jelena Kapetanovic says, “We are extremely fortunate enough to have students that are Hmong or just Asian as a whole...We try to promote things within our club, by festivals and slideshows. I just hope we gain more Asian students (in the club) and that they bring more ideas on how to give others a voice to promote their own cultures.” Representing Asian culture brings and introduces positivity and inclusion to all ages across the district. Mrs.Kapteanovic adds, “We have staff members to help with events, and lots of classroom teachers share these slideshows across the district. I’ve been told kids are grateful and excited when they see their culture represented on the board.”
Staff members and Hamilton students find value in recognizing AAPI month as it pertains to their culture and community. Freshman Tristan Thao says, “It shapes my point of view of myself and makes me feel different and unique in a good way, so I am able to inform others of my culture.”
Another Hamilton student says, “AAPl month makes me feel like I am welcomed and the ability to share my culture to other people makes me happy since it helps me to realize that people actually like to learn about my heritage.” These responses not only show the importance of sharing culture, but also the importance of being open to learning about it.
As a whole, AAPI month holds great significance and value not only across the country or across Wisconsin, but in the Hamilton School District as well. Students and staff across the district show their love and support for the Asian American community Wisconsin is privileged and honored to have. No matter what cultural background a person has, celebrating cultures and cultural diversity is always encouraged. Please join Hamilton in celebrating all of the different cultures, traditions, and history that AAPI month recognizes!
