Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month



Celebrating Communities that Make Us Stronger

It’s easy to find the impact that Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have had on our society. Thanks to their contributions in fields like technology and medicine, or civil and labor rights, their innovative spirit has helped move all of us toward a better, brighter world. We’re proud to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and hope you'll join us as we learn more together.



The History Behind the Month

Congress passed a resolution in 1978 creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. It later expanded the observance in 1992 to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the U.S. (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, because most workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

The People Behind the Group

According to Pew Research Center, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise 6% of the nation’s total population with 22 million. That number should more than double by 2060. While the largest concentration of this population lives in the western U.S., the South is the second most populated region with 5.3 million, or 24% of the total. It's important to remember this expansive group is incredibly diverse. Hailing from countries like India, Cambodia, Nepal, Laos, Yemen, Japan and beyond, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are made up from more than 20 countries and over 50 ethnic groups.

Notable Facts and Figures

  • As of 2019, over 10% of American businesses were owned by members of the AAPI community.
  • AAPIs are the fastest growing minority in the United States
  • Birthright citizenship in the United States was established in 1898 after a years-long battle between Wong Kim Ark (born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants) and the U.S. Justice Department.
  • Major companies like Yahoo! and YouTube were co-founded by Taiwanese American entrepreneurs.
  • The Universal Seral Bus — better known as the USB — was invented by an Indian American computer architect.

The Richness Behind the Culture

The AAPI community has left an indelible mark on global culture, enriching music, the arts, cuisine and more with their traditions and creative influences. From the intricate melodies of Indian ragas to the stirring sounds of Japanese taiko drums, AAPI musicians have shaped our definition of music. In the arts, the meticulous brushwork of Chinese ink painters and the vibrant colors of Filipino folk art have captivated audiences worldwide. And with food, the rich flavors of Korean bibimbap, Thai curries, and Filipino adobo showcase the culinary expertise of the AAPI community. Yet, within this fusion of tastes and sounds, there exist nuances that celebrate the unique histories, customs, and identities of each culture within the AAPI umbrella, highlighting the richness of this multifaceted community.

Learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Synovus: https://www.synovus.com/2023-dei-report/