Today marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commemorating the achievements and experiences of Southeast, East and South Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans, which have contributed so significantly to US history and culture.⁠ The campaign for a designated period of recognition began in 1976, following the nation’s bicentennial celebrations, led by Former congressional staffer Jeanie Jew. A joint resolution was signed by President Jimmy Carter two years later. ⁠ Initially a ten-day “week” at the start of May, the dates were chosen in tribute to two key events in East Asian American history. ⁠ On May 7, 1843, the first recorded Japanese immigrant arrived in the United States. ⁠ 26 years and three days later, the first transcontinental railroad was completed, the construction driven by some 20,000 Chinese workers.⁠ Extended to a month-long event in 1990, this year, the Biden administration issued a proclamation stating: “In the...