Colleagues,

The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history and culture of the United States. As Californians, this heritage month holds special significance. The first Asians documented in the Americas landed in California in 1587. Legislation for national recognition of this heritage month was first put forward by San Jose native Norman Y. Mineta in 1977. May was selected for AAPI heritage month to commemorate the first Japanese immigrant to the United states on May 6, 1843 and the joining of the first transcontinental railroad, completed using Chinese labor, on May 10, 1869.

You can learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at: https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov

Best Regards,

The SJSU IT Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee