Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
It is that time of the year again where the end of the school year is fast-approaching. The seniors are ready to graduate and everyone is preparing for their final exams. Although everyone is very excited about the end of the school year, there is also a very important event in the month of May. May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! In celebration, below are some facts about people that you might have not known are Asian or Pacific Islander.
1. Olivia Rodrigo
Yes, you heard it here first, folks! Believe it or not, the girl who sings “Driver’s License” is actually part Asian! She is half Filipino from her dad’s side and German and Irish from her mom’s side. Olivia is not only known for singing "Drivers License," but she is also an actress from the shows Bizaardvark and High School Musical: the Series. And fun fact, she talked about her Flipino ethnicity during a commercial break between Disney shows!
2. Madison Hu
Speaking of the show Bizaardvark, Olivia’s co-star, Madison Hu is also Asian! Her parents are both Chinese immigrants, but she was born in America. Another show you might have seen her in is Best Friends Whenever as Marci! Her most recent project is the movie Voyagers, which came out April 9th of this year!
3. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee
Although she is not an actress, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee is a feminist pioneer. Lee was the first Chinese woman in the United States to earn her doctorate. As a feminist, Lee advocates for the rights of women and the Chinese community in America! Despite all the discriminatory immigration laws, she played an important role in fighting for the right to vote in both China and America.
4. Jhumpa Lahiri
Her name might sound familiar to most of the seniors, as Jhumpa Lahiri is the author of The Interpreter of Maladies. Her parents are both from Bengali, and they moved to Rhode Island when she was three. When she was a child, Jhumpa Lahiri was inspired by her grandfather’s stories of India and her father’s extensive book collection. That is why her book is a compilation of short stories!
5. Kamala Harris
Famous for being the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris’ mom is of Indian descent and her dad is of Jamaican descent. Because of her achievements and work, she has inspired many people of color, especially girls, to work hard to achieve their own dreams!
All of these women listed and many more have impacted girls, especially Asian and Pacific Islander girls. Their hard work and courage to achieve their dreams has paved the way for future generations. I hope you all have learned something new about Asian and Pacific Islanders during this month!