This month we are celebrating and honoring the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Island individuals and cultures. What ethnic groups does AAPI include? The answer is… approximately 50 ethnic groups speaking over 100 languages. We are honoring and appreciating the contributions and the histories of Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian and other Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
AAPI peoples have played an essential role in the growth and development of the US. The American culture, the arts, fashion, the foods, so many things that we all enjoy are inspired by AAPI culture. Many AAPI individuals have served in the US military, many have started businesses, many have participated in the civil rights movement and other movements, winning Olympic medals, winning Nobel Prizes, and many have served with distinction at the highest levels of government.
While we may strive for diversity, equity and inclusion, what do we really know about the history and the contributions of AAPI peoples? Here we offer a quote from the History website and a link to read more.
“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed significantly to many facets of American culture and society, including science and medicine, literature and art, sports and recreation, government and politics, and activism and law. In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first Asian American Vice President of the United States. In film history, AAPI people, stories, and traditions have become more visible with South Korean director Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2019 and the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, debuting Marvel’s first Asian superhero.”
“AAPI people have a long history in the United States, despite the stereotype that they are ‘perpetual foreigners,’ the idea that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are inherently foreign, other and not truly American. According to the Bering Land Bridge Theory, Asians first migrated to what is now known as North America over 15,000 years ago through a land bridge between Asia and North America. In the 16th century, Filipinos who were escaping forced labor and enslavement during the Spanish galleon trade immigrated to North America, eventually establishing a settlement in St. Malo, Louisiana in 1763. During the California Gold Rush of the 1850s, a wave of Asian immigrants came to the West Coast and provided labor for gold mines, factories and the transcontinental railroad. In 1882, Congress enacted the Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned Chinese immigration for 20 years.”
You can read more of this fascinating look into history HERE.
At AMS we sincerely seek a diverse workforce, and we uphold equity and inclusion. We believe that actually reading about and learning the history of the different Peoples making up what we call America should be a part of our collective education. Knowing the history of racism, discrimination, prejudice and mistreatment is important, and it also is important to know the success stories of individuals, friends and co-workers.
President George H.W. Bush designated May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the early 1990s. Even so, much of AAPI history remains unknown to many Americans. Often the history taught in classrooms is limited to a few milestones like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the incarceration of people of Japanese descent during WWII. The scant history that we do learn rarely includes the nearly 50 other ethnic groups that make up AAPI peoples.
AMS is a B Corporation and a company very dedicated to the well-being of our employees and enjoying our company culture. Our culture is very diverse at AMS, as we have intentionally built an inclusive workforce where employees are highly respected and listened to as stakeholders in decisions affecting themselves and the company. It is up to us to build a better world where diversity is celebrated, equity is achieved and inclusion is a ‘given’. At AMS Fulfillment, this is our goal. Thank you to our employees of AAPI heritage during this important month of recalling and valuing your unique history and heritage.
With a salute to our AAPI employees and friends in the community we are sharing an enjoyable website with virtual tours for teams!! There are 12 virtual events and they are Very intriguing!!
“May is AAPI History Month – and in this post, you’ll find more than a dozen ideas and activities to honor the occasion with your team! Learn through interactive sessions like a tea tasting, book or podcast club, virtual museum field trip, and more. For a guided experience, you can also book Unexpected Virtual Tours.”
Visit and enjoy the website HERE!
It’s always a good time to learn!! Happy AAPI Heritage Month.
