Reflections on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021

This is the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Month since I have lost both my parents who first inspired me to be life-long learner. It is more clear to me than ever that I am their legacy. I strive to make them proud and continue my learning journey each day.

Throughout the month of May, I posted daily to share resources and reflections during APAHM. I also celebrated leaders who have inspired me partly to counteract a recent survey that found 42% of Americans were unable to name a prominent Asian American.

Thus, I humbly offer a list of posts and examples of Asian American front-line workers, entrepreneurs, innovators, writers, thought leaders, legislators and civil rights advocates among other important roles. These individuals also represent the legacy of ancestors and trailblazers whose extraordinary achievement was to build a seemingly ordinary life by overcoming incredible challenges in America.   

I am grateful for the lessons from these colleagues, friends and role models as I reflect upon the rich heritage and venerable contributions of Asian Americans woven in the fabric of our country. I look forward to keep learning from others to continue fostering understanding, inclusion and allyship in solidarity.

May 1 - APAHM and Key Findings by the Pew Research Center on Asian Americans

May 2 - Renee Tajima-Pe?a and Preview of PBS Film Asian Americans

May 3 - Sophia Yen and IICF International Inclusion in Insurance Forum

May 4 - Qingji Yang, Gary Hwa and Hee Lee - Lunar New Year Celebration

May 4 - Pan Asian Professional Network at EY

May 5 - Hoang Mai Phung and Welcome to Chinatown

May 5 - Roger Park and NYC Tech Talent Pipeline

May 6 - Jeff Wong and NFTE World Series of Innovation

May 7 - Thear Suzuki, Anne Chow and the POWER Leadership Forum

May 8 - Ronald Takaki, Erika Lee and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

May 9 - Mabel Ping-Hua Lee and the Women’s Suffrage Movement

May 10 - Yick Wo v. Hopkins and the Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad

May 11 - Jay Persaud and the Celebration of Pan Asian leaders

May 12 - James Rhee, Nadine Mirchandani and the EY APAHM Virtual Celebration 2021

May 13 - Veni Pasupathi and Samreen Kidwai and the EY APAHM Executive Forum 2021

May 14 - Asiatic Exclusion League and 1907 Bellingham Riots

May 15 - Patsy Takemoto Mink and Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act

May 16 - Amy Tan, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Cathy Park Hong and Inspiring AAPI writers

May 17 - George Takei, Cecilia Chung, Helen Zia and LGBT Activists of Asian Descent

May 18 - Judy Chu, Grace Meng, Mazie Hirono and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

May 19 - Distinguished Speakers at the EY Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Executive Forum 2021

May 20 - Ally Talks and the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

May 21 - Cindy Feng, Ritu Malhotra, Samantha Choo and Junior Achievement of New York

May 22 - The Asian American Foundation and See Us Unite for Change Campaign

May 23 - Lessons from PBS Film Asian Americans

May 24 - EY APAHM Virtual Celebration and Executive Forum Event Team

May 25 - Youa Vang Lee and Community Activists Fighting for Racial Justice in Solidarity

May 26 - EY Spotlight Story for APAHM and Celebration of My Champions

May 27 - Ascend Leadership and the Launch of the Ascend Impact Fund

May 28 - AAPI Frontline Workers and Individuals with Inspiring Contributions

May 29 - Jon M. Chu, Noel Harmon and APIA Scholars

May 30 - Incredible History of Innovation by Asian American Scientists and Inventors

May 30 - Dave Lu, Asian Business Founders and Stand with Asian Americans

May 31 - The Legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team

May 31 - Lily Zheng and Understanding the Root of Anti-Asian Racism

May 31 - Our History, Our Future - The American Story of Asian America

The views expressed by the author are personal and not necessarily those of Ernst & Young LLP or other members of the global EY organization.