Every month, BOCA gives back to the community with its donation matching program. The agency culture committee chooses a cause, and team members who donate will have their contributions matched by BOCA. This month we have selected the Asian American Journalists Association and the Chinatown Community Development Center in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. May provides us all with an excellent chance to honor the accomplishments, contributions, and vibrant cultures of people of Asian and Pacific Islander origin. During this month-long commemoration, members of the AAPI community and our country as a whole, reflect on its difficulties in the past, celebrate its successes now, and strive toward a more inclusive future.
The first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was held in 1978 during the first 10 days of May to commemorate two important dates: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the country in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (which was largely constructed by Chinese immigrants) in May 1869. The week-long festival was extended to a month in 1992, and May was declared to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Later, “Asian Pacific” was replaced with “Asian American and Pacific Islander” to be more inclusive and to acknowledge the diversity within the group. Additionally, this renaming recognized the unique experiences and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations.
In addition to financially supporting AAPI month, there are other ways to show love as well.
- Support AAPI-owned brands
- Continuously strive towards a work culture that breeds inclusivity and appreciates diversity
- Use your voice and speak out against hate and discrimination
This month BOCA celebrates and appreciates all of the contributions the AAPI community has made throughout history and will continue to make in the future.