In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, we would like to share some ideas to honor, educate and celebrate in small and big ways. Below is but a small sampling of ways we can celebrate AA and NHPI customs and cultures.

Ever wonder…?

  • …why AAPI Heritage Month is in May? It marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the US (May 7, 1843). In addition, May 10, 1869 (or Golden Spike Day) recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. which had significant contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.
  • …why the term ‘Asian American’ has a radical history? (CNN, May 4, 2022)
  • …about AAPI youth making a difference? In honor of our mission to innovate and teach all kids to be actors in the world, learn about local Oakland native, 14-year old Mina Na-Rae Fedor, activist and founder of AAPI Youth Rising, which was born out of anti-Asian incidents that have grown over the last few years. She was one of the first to hold a solidarity event to speak out against the anti-Asian hate incidents and 1200 people showed up to her Berkeley event. Since then, she’s been working with other youth on an education bill that would require every public high school student in California to take an ethnic studies course.

Ways to honor and celebrate

Here are a few ways to honor, celebrate, and learn this month:

At Galileo, we work to develop innovators who envision and create a better world. We hope our families, staff and campers join us in continuing to learn, seek understanding and celebrate the diverse cultures that enable us to create a better world together.

-The Galileo Team

Comment with your AA and NHPI Heritage month recommendations or ideas for local events to connect with the Galileo community near you!