Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) is a celebration of the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander people in the United States.

Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage month during the first week of May because of two important anniversaries:

The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843
The completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. Congress later voted to expand it from a week long to a month long celebration

Soon thereafter, the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans was organized to:

Promote cooperation among community organizations
Foster friendship among members in the community
Represent and advocate for Asian Pacific American communities
Provide a tribute to our shared heritage.

The 1st Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival was hosted in May 1979 with 25 organizations to provide a stage for creative expression, a venue for community organizations to share their services, and community exposure. Today, the Festival has 100+ booths featuring:

advocacy groups
arts organizations
social clubs
professional associations
social service agencies
vendors
martial arts performances
food stands
arts & crafts tables
children's programs
mini film festivals
even fortune tellers & Mhendi tattoo artists

Stage performances include

Traditional Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino dancing
Taiko (Japanese drumming)
Vietnamese and Polynesian music and dance
Modern dance
Jazz, folk, classical and rock music

In recent years, the Heritage Festival has honored the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans in specific fields of endeavor, including music, literature, film and sports.

The Coalition has successfully hosted festivals at Lincoln Center (Damrosch Park), Union Square, and Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza.