Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Month
In 1968, Activists Emma Gee and Yuji Ichioka, coined the term Asian Americans to unify the different groups of individuals of Asian descent. Prior to the 1970’S, people of Asian descent were commonly referred to as Orientals, a term that is offensive and outdated. U.S. Rep. Grace Meng proposed Bill H.R.4238, which would remove the term “Oriental” from federal laws. It was successfully passed by Former President Barack Obama in 2016.
In the mid 1970’s Chinese American advocate, Jeanie Jew, approached Congress regarding passing a law that celebrates and commemorates Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Initially celebrated for just the first week of May, it wasn’t until 1992 that congress announced that May would permanently become Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. An idea that was proposed by Jeanie Jew more than 15 years earlier!
Since 2010 a newer term, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American or “APIDA” has been used as a pan-ethnic classification that intentionally includes South Asians (Desi) as part of the community.
APIDA Overview – sources
“Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide.”
“How One Woman’s Story Led to the Creation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.”
In 1968, These Activists Coined the Term ‘Asian American’ – and Helped Shaped Decades of Advocacy.
Reading recommendations available through the library
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning: Poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong blends memoir, cultural criticism, and history to expose the truth of racialized consciousness in America. Binding these essays together is Hong’s theory of “minor feelings.”
I am Malala: The Girl who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban: When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education This is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.
They Called Us Enemy: George Takei’s graphic memoir recounting the actor. author, and activist’s childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II.
Our Stories: An Introduction to South Asian America:: An anthology rooted in community that brings together the voices of sixty-four authors – ranging from artists to activists to academics – Our Stories weaves together the myriad histories, experiences, perspectives, and identities that make up the South Asian American community.
Documents of Japanese American Internment: Linda L. Ivey’s and Kevin W. Kaatz’s document collection sheds light on Japanese American internment through the voices and perspectives of those who directly experienced this event as well as those who created the policy behind it.
Masala Mamas: Recipes and Stories from Indian Women Changing Their Communities Through Food and Love by Elana Sztokman’s book is set In Mumbai, India, where harsh conditions make it difficult for children to study. An amazing group of women is working to make sure that kids go to school. These are their stories and their recipes. A cookbook like you’ve never seen before about women, friendship, social change, Indian culture, and love.
Contemporary Asian American Activism: Building Movements for Liberation: Diane C. Fujino recounts the struggles for prison abolition, global anti-imperialism, immigrant rights, affordable housing, environmental justice, fair labor, and more, twenty-first-century Asian American activists are speaking out and standing up to systems of oppression.
Bashō’s Haiku: Selected Poems of Matsuo Bashō: A comprehensive translation yet of the poetry of Japanese writer Matsuo Bashō, who is credited with perfecting and popularizing the haiku form of poetry. Bashō is especially beloved by those who appreciate nature and those who practice Zen Buddhism.