Throughout the month of May, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is proud to join the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The annual observance recognizes the contributions and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have played a significant role in shaping the nation's culture.

May was chosen for this commemoration to mark two significant milestones in Asian American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, a project largely completed by Chinese immigrant laborers.  

The origins of the month trace back to 1977 when Congress introduced a resolution to designate the first 10 days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. A similar resolution was introduced in the Senate. Although these initial efforts did not pass, a revised resolution was presented in June 1978, which was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on Oct. 5, 1978. 

Throughout the following decade, presidents issued annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a month with the passage of Public Law 101-28 for that year. Two years later, in 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450, permanently designating May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

For more information, please visit the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month website.