Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — also abbreviated as AAPI — make up about 7.6% of the total population in Las Vegas, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. When calculating this demographic for the entire state of Nevada, this percentage increases to 11%.
In fact Las Vegas is also called the “ninth Island” due to the large amount of native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders who live and visit Vegas. People who identify as Hawaiian or Pacific Islander make up nearly 1% of the population in Las Vegas, according to an article by 8 News Now.
Research from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas states that about 1 in 10 citizens of Hawaii visit Las Vegas each year. There’s no doubt that native Hawaiian culture has spread to Nevada from the festivals, food scene and more.
Nevada also ranks seventh for states that have the largest AAPI populations.
The largest group of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is Filipino. According to data from AAPI Data, a website dedicated to data and research on AAPI communities, the Filipino population represents more than half of the entire Asian population.
In the Nevada Legislature, there are seven AAPI lawmakers.
Asian American Heritage Month started off as an idea by congressional staffer Jeanie Jew. According to Arlington Public Schools, Jew first approached Rep. Frank Horton about “designating a month to recognize Asian Pacific Americans, following the United States’ bicentennial celebration in 1976.”
This celebration of Asian heritage was first introduced as a 10-day celebration. Former President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation for the first seven days of May to be Asian and Pacific American Heritage Week. he signed this proclamation on March 28. 1979, according to the Library of Congress.
This week-long celebration transformed to a full month in 1990.
“On May 14, 1991, a public law was passed unanimously by congress and then signed by Bush, proclaiming May 1991 and May 1992 as Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.”
Beasley Media Group is proud to support Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Las Vegas. As we celebrate the communities contributions, here are some local events happening that aim to inspire, education and honor the AAPI community.