May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, history, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. We recognize the contributions that many cultures have made to our country in areas such as arts, sciences, politics, and business. May provides an opportunity to learn more about the challenges that these communities have faced including discrimination and to learn from the progress that has been made in promoting equality. In 1778, a joint resolution was passed by Congress to commemorate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the United States. May 7th was chosen to celebrate the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7th, 1843. May 10th was chosen to celebrate the completion of the transcontinental railroad, built mostly by Chinese immigrants. The proclamation making May Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month has allowed people to learn about and reflect on the people that helped shape our shared history.