May is Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, and when you visit Mosaic Makers Collective, you'll find an entire display dedicated to products created by our AANHPI makers. Today, we will share a little about why AANHPI Heritage Month is important for all Americans, how you can celebrate, and introduce you to our AANHPI makers!
What is AANHPI Heritage Month?
Since 1992, AANHPI Heritage Month has been celebrated in May of each year. The month was chosen to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants' arrival to the US in 1843 and the transcontinental railroad's completion in 1869.
The AANHPI community has individually and collectively shaped the nation we call home through work in science, art, sports, government, activism, and law. Just a few notable AANHPI women include:
- Kamala Harris - the first female, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected Vice President.
- Chloé Zhao - her work on Nomadland made her the first woman of color and the second woman ever to receive a Golden Globe for Best Director.
- Mazie Hirono - the Senator of Hawaii was the only person of Asian descent to serve in the US Senate between 2013 and 2017.
- Awkwafina - she became the first Asian woman to ever win a Golden Globe for Best Actress when she won the award for her role in The Farewell.
- Ali Wong - the Vietnamese-Chinese-American actress/ comedian was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020 and 2023.
These are just a few AANHPI women changing the world of politics and entertainment in recent years.
This year, The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) chose "Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity" as the theme for AANHPI Heritage Month. While FAPAC focuses on the interests of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders on a government level, we all must do our part to ensure AANHPI colleagues, creators, and employees are afforded the opportunity to succeed.
Why is AANHPI Heritage Month more important now than ever?
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, and it's more important than ever to educate yourself, stand up against xenophobia and racism, and support our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander friends and neighbors.
How can you celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month?
Educate yourself on AANHPI history
The best way to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month is by educating yourself on the significant contributions Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made to the USA.
The American Archive of Public Broadcasting's AANHPI Collection features over 230 free public radio and television programs spanning more than 50 years of interviews with AANHPI writers, musicians, and poets, readings from AANHPI authors, and interviews with AANHPI leaders on what it means to be AANHPI in America.
This is a great video you can watch to learn about Asian Americans' identity, contributions, and the challenges faced.
Support AANHPI creators
Did you know that the Asian American population in Texas is over 1.85 million and the NHPI population is more than 77,000?
Mosaic Makers Collective features products from more than a dozen AANHPI makers who create art prints, soaps and bath and body products, lovely tea, and more. Below is a list of AANHPI creators and links to their collection at Mosaic Makers. Click through to check out their products and shop their collections, or shop our entire AANHPI Heritage Month catalogue.
AANHPI Makers at Mosaic Makers Collective
Irene Kang
Lisa Chouinard
Feto Soap
Keiko Hayner
Emlyn Roesler
Grace S Kim
Anna Ho
Risa Recio
Sarah McGuire
Jessica Lam
Michelle Tran
Michelle Tran
Kayo Master
Jess Zimmerman
Gina Su
Kathy Phan
Ahn Hee Strain
Casey Yui
Stacy Trinh
Aliya Prasla
Christie Kwon
Learn to cook a new cuisine or support a local AANHPI restaurant
Culture is wrapped up in cuisine and flavor, and tasting local food is a great way to learn about traditions and cultures that are different from your own. Buy a cookbook from an AANHPI author, ask a friend for their favorite recipe, or visit an AANHPI-owned restaurant.
Supporting local Asian American and Pacific Islander women is a fantastic way to get a glimpse into each maker's culture, creativity, and passion. Stop by our store in Bishop Arts to check out our AANHPI collection this month, or shop online!