May Heritage and Identity Recognitions: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage & Jewish American Heritage

At One Schoolhouse, we recognize observances and holidays that center the voices and experiences of historically excluded peoples in the United States. Our goal is to lift up the words of others who share our commitment to learning, and to build for belonging. Check out our blog post to learn more about the reasons behind our acknowledgments and how we approach them. To learn more about these newsletters, read our blog post on how and why we acknowledge.

Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Learn about the history of AAPI Heritage Month:  May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which celebrates the histories of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Learn why we celebrate AAPI heritage this month in an article from NPR. 

Recognize AAPI Heritage Month in your school and community:  The Very Asian Foundation shines a light on Asian experiences and stories through advocacy and celebration. Inspired by a group of St. Louis students who asked for more AAPI books, The May Book Project brings curated book lists to expand representation and celebration of the AAPI experience in classrooms.

Listen to AAPI Voices:  As a part of Education Week’s Voices from the Field project, three AAPI Academic Leaders at independent schools reflect on the intersections of their work, and their identity. Hear from a department chair, a middle school director, and a class dean. ​

Recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month

Learn about the history of Jewish American Heritage Month:  Established in 2006, by President George W. Bush, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the rich history and contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation's social, cultural, and scientific landscape.

Recognize Jewish American Heritage Month in your school:  The National Endowment for the Humanities shares resources, primary sources, and teaching materials that explore topics including George Washington’s 1790 Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport; Jewish artists, musicians, and performers; and the history of Jewish immigration to the United States.

Listen to Jewish American voices:  Kirsten Fermaglich is a professor in the Department of History in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University. She writes, “As we have witnessed an upsurge in American antisemitism for the past several years, from Charlottesville to Pittsburgh to Colleysville, Texas, studying American Jewish history feels more important than ever.”