Xavier Becerra Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Twitter Website
On April 24, 2024, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center announced their joint theme for the 2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The theme, "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future," aims to foster intergenerational connections, action, and reflection within the communities.
The annual celebration in May acknowledges the significant contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities to the United States. Through a collaborative effort between the White House, WHIAANHPI, and the Smithsonian, a theme is selected each year to ignite meaningful conversations and reflections on the identity of AA and NHPI individuals. Past themes like "I Am Beyond" and "Visible Together" have successfully sparked dialogues on the diverse experiences of these communities.
The 2024 theme, "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future," pays tribute to the ancestral roots of AA and NHPI communities while encouraging Americans to explore the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have influenced their journey. It emphasizes resilience, hope, and the importance of building connections across generations to honor the past and pave a way forward for the future.
A significant event planned to coincide with this theme is a landmark celebration on May 13, 2024, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. The White House and WHIAANHPI will bring together over 1,000 AA and NHPI leaders from various administrations to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Reflecting on the theme, it highlights the rich heritage and diverse narratives of AA and NHPI communities, encompassing the wisdom of Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups, the struggles and successes of immigrants and refugees, and the trailblazing efforts of visionaries who have shaped the community's progress. The theme calls for unity in embracing shared stories, recognizing past leaders, and building bridges across generations and cultures for a thriving future.
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, established by President Joe Biden, and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center are committed to advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities through coordinated efforts and inclusive representation in collections, research, exhibitions, and programs.
For more information on WHIAANHPI and the Smithsonian APA Center, visit hhs.gov/whiaanhpi and apa.si.edu, respectively.
