Stories and lists about Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Students perform a dance during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Each May for more than 40 years, America has paid tribute to the vast cultural contributions of its Asian and Pacific Islander citizens. Here are a few fascinating facts about how Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month came to be.

Amy Tan's 1989 book represented a breakthrough for Chinese American representation in popular culture.

Joyce Chen on the set of "Joyce Chen Cooks"

Through her restaurant, cookbook, and television show, Joyce Chen introduced many Americans to Chinese cuisine.

Chung broke through multiple barriers on her path to becoming a celebrated broadcast journalist.

Broadcast journalist Connie Chung was the first Asian American woman to co-anchor a major network newscast.

Nilanjana Sudeshna Lahiri, otherwise known as Jhumpa Lahiri, first came to prominence with her award-winning 1999 debut, the short story collection 'Interpreter of Maladies.' Here's what you need to know about 'The Namesake' author.

The combat veteran is the first Asian American woman from Illinois ever elected to Congress.

From serving in the Iraq War to becoming the first U.S. senator to give birth in office, Tammy Duckworth has an impressive history of overcoming adversity with grit and humor.

Isamu Noguchi at the Noguchi Garden Museum in New York City.

Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) was one of the most influential designers and sculptors of the 20th century.

George Takei may be best known for his role as Mr. Sulu on ‘Star Trek.’ But there's far more to Takei than manning the helm of the USS ‘Enterprise.’

The reverse side of the Anna May Wong quarter.

The actress—the first Asian American performer to receive top billing in a Hollywood film—is now pioneering change in a different way.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with these gripping reads.

For AAPI Heritage Month, check out these incredible books by Celeste Ng, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Helen Hoang, and others.

AAPI Heritage Month

5 Facts About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

8 Things You Might Not Know About 'The Joy Luck Club'

7 Facts About Joyce Chen, the TV Chef Who Introduced Americans to Chinese Cuisine

10 Interesting Facts About Connie Chung

7 Fascinating Facts About Jhumpa Lahiri

17 Things You Might Not Know About Tammy Duckworth

8 Facts about Isamu Noguchi

15 Enterprising Facts About George Takei

Pioneering Actress Anna May Wong Is the First Asian American on U.S. Currency

25 Amazing Books by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors You Need to Read