Articles

Recognizing the impact of AAPINHs in New Mexico

Kristelle Siarza, Owner and CEO of Siarza,
Volunteer Executive Director of the Asian Business Collaborative

For over 30 years, May has been honored as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month-long celebration recognizes the contributions of AAPI (also expressed as AAPINH, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian) groups and individuals that have helped build and elevate our country for hundreds of years. A broad term, AAPINH encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

Starting as a commemorative week in 1978, May was designated as Asian/Pacific Heritage Month in 1992. This month was chosen for two important anniversaries falling during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad by many Chinese laborers on May 10, 1869. Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month was renamed as AAPI Heritage Month in 2009.

Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians have contributed significantly to every facet of American culture and society, including science, medicine, literature, art, sports, recreation, government, politics, activism and law. AAPINHs are the fastest growing racial group in the United States. This also holds true in New Mexico. From 2010 to 2020, the Asian population in New Mexico has increased by 34.7% and the Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander population has increased by 74.5%.

Since their arrival in the 1800s, AAPINHs have contributed greatly to New Mexico's economy with labor, industry, businesses, and purchasing power, as well to our state’s rich diversity through their unique culture, customs, histories, languages, and traditions. There are over 30 AAPINH ethnic groups, more than 20 AAPINH languages and over 40 AAPINH supporting organizations in New Mexico.

Recognizing the immense impact of AAPINHs in our state, 2023 saw the first ever New Mexico Joint Legislative Session to celebrate AAPINH Day! On the first Tuesday of February of every odd-numbered year, AAPINH Day will be observed to honor all past, present and future New Mexicans who are Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian and all other groups who have migrated from, have historical ties to or identify themselves as from Asia.

Ready to celebrate the amazing contributions of AAPINHs in New Mexico?  Check out these ideas for how to celebrate in May and all year long!

• Explore AAPINH History
• Attend AAPINH events
• Support AAPINH-owned businesses
• Read books and listen to podcasts from AAPINH authors and creators
• Watch movies featuring AAPINH cast/crew members
• Try Asian/Pacific cuisine
• Follow AAPINH activists, educators, and leaders on social media
• Learn how to pronounce Asian names/words
• Learn about and get involved with stopping violence against AAPINH communities (https://stopaapihate.org)
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The 2023 theme selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC)  for the observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.