Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on May 6, 2012

Since high school, I've always known that May is a month- long tribute to many aspects of Asian America. But it wasn't until last week when I was compiling a list of D.C.-area events related to this month that I found out that May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. Here's a brief synopsis of what I know and learned about the origins of the two observations, as well as a few events:

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

It first started out as a week after Congress passed a 1978 joint resolution proclaiming the first seven days of May to be Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. May was chosen to commemorate the first arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843. It was also chosen because the transnational railroad, labored by mostly Chinese immigrants, was completed on May 10, 1869.

President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation shortly after the resolution passed in Congress. Other presidents have also continued to issue similar proclamations. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush extended the celebration to the month of May.

APA Events

Monday, May 7, 7:30 p.m. Aasif Mandvi of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will headline the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies' comedy show titled "Entertainment Night" at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater.

Tuesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. Macy's and the National Association of Asian American Professionals will sponsor "Taste of Asia." The event will feature samples of Southeast Asian cuisine prepared by guest chefs from Super Pho, Case Asia, Bangkok Noodle Restaurant. It will take place at the lower level furniture gallery of Macy's in Metro Center.

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Asian Heritage Foundation is co-sponsoring its May celebration in downtown Silver Spring's "Fiesta Asia." The event is free admission and will take place on Ellsworth Drive.

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. A week later, Asian Heritage Foundation is hosting Fiesta Asia in downtown D.C. The street festival is also free and will take place between 3rd Street to 6th Street along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Saturday, May 19, 7 p.m. Korean pop singer Jay Park will headline Verizon's APA Heritage Month Tour at the Fillmore Silver Spring (8656 Colesville Rd.)

Excerpt from:
May Celebrates Asian, Jewish Heritage

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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