C.A.C.A. Celebrates
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI), also known as Asian/Pacific American, Heritage Month. In 1978, Congress passed a bill proclaiming the first ten days of May as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978. The law directed the President to issue a proclamation each year declaring the first week of May to be AANHPI Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress passed a law which expanded the observance to a month for 1990. Then in 1992, a law was passed which annually designated May as AANHPI Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. More information can be found at the Asian/Pacific Heritage Month website.

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance joins all Asian/Pacific Americans in celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with a series of national events. Learn more about Chinese American history and heritage!

Monday, May 9 (5:00 pm PT)   Asian American History is American History (co-sponsored with the Chinese American Heritage Foundation) - Virtual Event

Join Moderator Dr. Wenli Jen and panelists Illinois State Rep Theresa Mah, co-
founder of The Asian American Education Project Stewart Kwoh, and Jayson Chag
of the Asian American Advancing Justice - LA, as they discuss State Laws and Edu-
cation Initiatives for education curriculum. Webinar registration here.

Tuesday, May 10 (6:30 pm ET)  Corky Lee film screening (in-person only) and panel discussion (livestreamed to virtual attendees) - co-sponsored with The 1882 Foundation

A sneak preview of film producer Curtis Chin’s short documentary “Dear Corky”
about the “undisputed, unofficial Asian American photographic laureate” Corky Lee.
The screening is in-person only at the MLK Library in Washington, DC. The panel
discussion 7-8 pm ET will be livestreamed to virtual attendees. Details and registration here.

Sunday, May 15 (1 to 2 pm PT)  Chinese American Experience (1850 to 2022) with Mr. Martin Gold - (recording)

Join us via Zoom for a lively session with Mr. Martin Gold, a recognized authority
and author on matters of congressional rules and parliamentary strategies, and U.S.
policy in Asia. Topics covered include: The historical treatment of the Chinese and
the bigoted attitudes of elected officials that led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of
1882; What inspired him to be involved in the efforts for congressional resolutions
expressing regret for the Chinese exclusion laws; His thoughts on the Chinese
American experience and how we can work together to make this a transformative
moment in our history. For more information, contact info@cacanational.org.

Wednesday, May 18 (5pm PT) Clara Wu and the World of Azen (co-sponsored with the Chinese American Heritage Foundation) - Virtual Event

Hear how the next generation of Asian American writers are writing for better
Asian Representation, where Asian American readers can read stories where they
are the heroes! Meet Vincent Yee, the author who wrote 5 books in 6 months to
create this Young Adult Asian American fantasy series! Webinar registration here.

Sunday, May 29 (1:30 PT)  The All-American Crew (co-sponsored with the Chinese American Heritage Foundation) - Virtual Event

Dr. Russell Low, author of “Three Coins” and “The American Crew”, will discuss how
the Early Chinese American Experience shaped the Greatest Generation in WWII.
The presentation touches upon the themes of immigration, racial discrimination,
human trafficking, courage, patriotism and diversity; topics that are as relevant
today as they were 80 years ago. Webinar registration here.