An Asian Heritage Month Unlike Any Other.

Wow, I can't believe it's already May. These past two months in quarantine have gone by in the blink of an eye, but here at DeclarASIAN, we hope that everyone is finding productive ways to get through this chaotic period. 

More than ever, it's important to realize that this month is Asian Heritage Month--a month dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the important impact that Asians and Pacific Islanders have had in the United States. This year, it also commemorates the 151st anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, mainly constructed by Chinese migrants. Unfortunately, many of the usual celebrations such as APA Heritage festivals and parades have been cancelled this year, a year where instead of being able to embrace and recognize their heritage, AAPI persons are being blatantly attacked and harassed. 

This will be an Asian Heritage Month unlike any other. Usually, Chinese restaurants would be packed with customers ready to enjoy various dishes, but this year, these same restaurants are on the verge of bankruptcy. For example, Philadelphia Chinatown was set to host a bounty of festivities to celebrate this year, only to have more than 95% of Chinese-owned businesses shutting down during the pandemic. A month dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the United States has been tarnished and polluted by a wave of racism and xenophobia that is tearing the country apart.

To show what Asian Heritage Month really stands for, DeclarASIAN will be highlighting one significant contribution by Asian-Americans to the United States every day of May. Whether it be about an influential Asian-American leader like Fred Korematsu or the history of Chinese immigrants, learning about the positive impacts that Asian-Americans have and continue to make in America is the first step in silencing racist and xenophobic attacks that are rooted in false, uneducated accusations.

Author: Carina Sun