Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played vital roles in shaping the nation since the 1800s—from building the Transcontinental Railroad to advocating for labor law changes to fighting in multiple wars.
But these crucial stories are missing from what students learn today in the classroom. Bringing more AANHPI experiences and voices into the education system is more urgent than ever. It combats bigotry and reaffirms what we already know to be true: that AANHPI history is American history.
Today, AANHPI communities are 23.5 million strong. We are leaders and innovators, business owners and artists, neighbors, and friends. We trace our roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. We encompass 50 ethnic groups that speak over 100 languages. At the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC), we enhance the public's awareness and knowledge about what it means to be AANHPI through groundbreaking programming, webinars, and community-created educational resources. But we cannot do it alone. Your support ensures that APAC can continue serving as a national resource for understanding why the AANHPI experience matters every day, everywhere, and all the time.
Learn more about how to donate and other ways to give. For questions or more information, please email the APAC team.