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                              The Biden-Harris Administration Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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The Biden-Harris Administration Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month








  
  
    

  
      





2024 Celebration | Our Theme | Resources | Media CenterThe White House logo on a dark blue background. The words "Lasting Legacies: A White House Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage and History"
You’re Invited to a White House Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage and HistoryPlease join the White House and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) on May 13, 2024, for a historic, community-wide celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.This landmark event in the heart of our nation’s capital will commemorate 25 years since the creation of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. For the first time, current and former leaders spanning five presidential administrations will gather to honor this historic milestone and reflect on the progress AA and NHPI communities have achieved over the past 25 years.RSVPSign Up for UpdatesStay ConnectedTune In*Livestream begins at 11:55 AM ET on May 13, 2024.*Explore the Program
                        Registration and Interactive Activities
    Explore interactive activities provided by:The National Endowment for the ArtsThe Smithsonian Asian Pacific American CenterThe U.S. MintThe White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
      Pre-Event Entertainment: String Quartet
    Musical performances provided by:Jennifer Kim (violin)Regino Madrid (violin)Philippe Chao (viola)Danielle Cho (cello)
      Musical Performance: "Oli Aloha" Chant and "He Hawai`i Au"
    Performed by the E Ala E Hawaiian Cultural Center
      Program Kick-Off
    Remarks by event emcee Richard Lui, Anchor and Journalist, MSNBC/NBC News
      Musical Performance: "The Star-Spangled Banner”
    Performed by Angelica Hale, Singer, Songwriter, and Actress
      Welcome Remarks
    **Featuring:**Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesAmbassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade RepresentativeActing Secretary Julie Su, U.S. Department of LaborNeera Tanden, Chair of the Domestic Policy Council and Domestic Policy Advisor to the PresidentKrystal Ka‘ai, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific IslandersKota Mizutani, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement and AA and NHPI Liaison, The White House Office of Public EngagementDilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Small Business AdministrationCongresswoman Judy Chu, Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
      Fireside Chat: Agents of Change in the Federal Government
    Senior Biden-Harris Administration leaders reflect on their public service journeys.**Featuring:**Erika L. Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Liaison, The White House (moderator)Acting Secretary Julie Su, U.S. Department of LaborAmbassador Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative
      Musical Performance: Healing and Connecting Through Music
    Featuring:Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon GeneralMark H Taiko Connection
      Video Remarks from President Bill Clinton
    Introduction by Kevin Thurm, Chief Executive Officer, Clinton Foundation
      Musical Performance: “Running”
    Performed by Iam Tongi, Singer
      From the Shadows to the Spotlight: The Journey Towards AA & NHPI Visibility
    Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander stories and voices have long been erased and disenfranchised – but hard-won progress has been made. Trailblazers in media and entertainment will examine our communities’ challenges and triumphs – and how far we have come in writing (and being represented in) America’s story.**Featuring:**Bing Chen, CEO and Co-Founder, Gold HouseLucy Liu, ActressKelly Hu, ActressChristine Ha, ChefMaulik Pancholy, ActorHudson Yang, Actor
      Audience Engagement
    A special performance by David Kwong, Magician
      Bridging Histories: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
    A first-ever conversation between Executive Directors of the White House Initiative from across five presidential administrations.**Featuring:**Ambassador Christopher P. Lu, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform (moderator)Shamina Singh, Founder and President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Executive Vice President, Sustainability at MastercardJohn Quoc Duong, Chief Executive Officer, GreenQuest Energy DevelopmentKiran Ahuja, Former Director, U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementTina Wei Smith, Founder, Rural UpKrystal Ka‘ai, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
                        Your Questions, Answered*Here’s what you need to know about our historic celebration on May 13.*
                        What is the dress code for this event?
    We recommend spring festive or cultural attire – wear what makes you feel fabulous!
      How long is the program?
    The current program will begin promptly at 12 PM ET and conclude around 3:30 PM. Attendees can arrive at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium starting at 10:45 AM for event check-in.
      When should I arrive?
    Attendees can arrive at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium starting at 10:45 AM ET for event check-in. Come early to get some great selfies and explore our interactive resource tables before the program begins!Please be ready to present the QR code in your Eventbrite ticket, or we will manually match your name against our registration list.
      How do I get to the event venue?
    Transportation: We strongly advise you to arrive via public transportation. The closest metro stations to the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium are Federal Triangle (Silver/Orange/Blue WMATA lines) and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow lines).If you are using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, the venue address is 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
      How do I check in?
    Due to space constraints, in-person seating is limited and on a first come, first serve basis and advanced registration is required for entry. We are unable to accommodate walk-ins for this event.All participants are required to check in upon arrival to the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Please be ready to present the QR code in your Eventbrite ticket, or we will manually match your name against our registration list.If you are bringing any guests, please ensure they are registered prior to entry – if any guests are unregistered, we are unable to guarantee entry on the day of the event.Members of the press who pre-registered to cover the program may visit the designated media check-in table to pick up a media credential at the specific time communicated through email.
      I didn't register for this event. Can I still attend?
    Individual registration is required for all in-person attendees. **Due to strict space constraints, we are currently unable to accommodate walk-ins for this event.**Please **register through Eventbrite** to:Be added to our in-person waitlist (we are unable to guarantee that a slot will become available); orReceive the link to the livestream on May 13 (and host a watch party with your employee resource groups, friends, and family!)
      My plans have changed and I can no longer attend in-person. What should I do?
    We’re sorry you can’t make it to the event! We kindly ask that you cancel your Eventbrite registration as soon as possible or email whiaanhpi@hhs.gov to manually process your request. This way, we can release your spot to someone on our waitlist.Even though you will not be able to join us in-person, we are pleased to be able to offer a livestream of this event. Please **RSVP through Eventbrite** and click “Get tickets,” then select “Virtual Admission” to receive the stream link on the day of the event.
      How can I get involved?
    This event is open to the public and will be livestreamed for those unable to join in-person. Please encourage your networks to RSVP for our event here.*Here are some ways you can get involved in our AA and NHPI Heritage Month celebrations:***#1 – Host a watch party:**Gather your colleagues, friends, and family to stream the event on May 13 and celebrate our communities’ rich heritage and history wherever you are!**#2 – Get social:** Use the hashtags #AANHPIHM and #LastingLegacies! Tag the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) on social media, and share your favorite memories from the past 25 years.Instagram: instagram.com/whitehouseaanhpiThreads: threads.net/@whitehouseaanhpiTwitter: twitter.com/whiaanhpiFacebook: facebook.com/WhiteHouseAANHPILinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/whitehouseaanhpi**#3 – Amplify our theme:** This year, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and WHIAANHPI are celebrating AA and NHPI Heritage Month under the joint theme “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.” Learn more about the theme here and start a conversation around what it means to you.
                        Our 2024 Theme: ‘Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future’The words “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future” and “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month” appear in white with a blue gradient background.
This May, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders will celebrate AA and NHPI Heritage Month under the joint theme “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.”Developed in close coordination with the White House, the 2024 theme is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped AA and NHPI communities.Read Our Announcement
                        Explore the Theme
    For more than a decade, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and WHIAANHPI have collaborated to identify a national theme for AA and NHPI Heritage Month in consultation with the White House and community partners. Previous themes such as "I Am Beyond" (2014) and "Visible Together" (2023) have been warmly embraced, both by federal agencies and community-serving organizations, and have served as catalysts for meaningful dialogue around AA and NHPI identity.**The 2024 theme, “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future,” embodies the spirit of our collective journey – one rooted in resilience and hope – and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.***As the Nation observes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month in May, we reflect on our rich heritage and storied past. From Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities whose wisdom and knowledge helped to shape this country and continue to guide us today, to the immigrants and refugees who came to our shores in search of better opportunities, to the trailblazers who paved the way for progress across generations – our communities’ journey has been one of tragedy and triumph, adversity, and resilience.**Knowing our histories gives us power. Throughout the month, let us embrace the interconnectedness of our stories and honor the visionaries who came before us. Let us commit to spotlighting the myriad ways diverse AA and NHPI communities have enriched every facet of American life. And let us endeavor to build bridges across generations, experiences, and cultures to forge a future where all of us can thrive.*
      About Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
    Since the late 1970s, our nation has recognized the invaluable contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities during May. The month was chosen to commemorate several key moments in history, including the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in the United States in 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, driven by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants.**Discover more resources from across the federal government:**The SmithsonianSmithsonian Asian Pacific American CenterLibrary of CongressThe National ArchivesU.S. Census BureauNational Park Service
                        ResourcesThe White HouseA Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 2024U.S. Census BureauKey Facts About Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander CommunitiesGo DeeperNational Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA and NHPI Communities**Connect with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI):**Established by President Joe Biden through Executive Order 14031, WHIAANHPI is charged with coordinating a whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.**Website:**hhs.gov/whiaanhpi**All Resources:** linktr.ee/whitehouseaanhpi**Instagram:** instagram.com/whitehouseaanhpi**Threads:** threads.net/@whitehouseaanhpi**Twitter:** twitter.com/whiaanhpi**Facebook:** facebook.com/WhiteHouseAANHPI**LinkedIn:** linkedin.com/company/whitehouseaanhpiMedia Center*News and updates from across the Biden-Harris Administration.*Fact Sheet: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities Across the Country**The White House | May 9, 2024**USDA Supports Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders with Site Visit**U.S. Department of Agriculture | May 7, 2024**Value of Diversity: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month**U.S. Forest Service | May 6, 2024**How Collecting and Reporting More Detailed Data Can Advance Health Equity for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian American Communities**Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | May 6, 2024**FEMA Highlights Employees in Celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month**Federal Emergency Management Agency | May 2, 2024**National Archives Celebrates AANHPI Voices in the American Story**U.S. National Archives and Records Administration | May 2, 2024**Statement By Administrator Samantha Power Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month**U.S. Agency for International Development | May 2, 2024**2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month**U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | May 1, 2024**Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month**Office of the United States Trade Representative | May 1, 2024**Fact Sheet: Advancing Health Equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | May 1, 2024**Statement from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | May 1, 2024**Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024**National Endowment for the Arts | May 1, 2024**A Proclamation on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, 2024**The White House | April 30, 2024**Virtual Bookshelf: Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month**National Endowment for the Humanities | April 30, 2024**WHIAANHPI and SmithsonianAPA Unveil Joint Theme for 2024 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: ‘Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future’**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | April 24, 2024**Perspectives on History: AAPI Voices in the American Story at the National Archives**U.S. National Archives and Records Administration | April 15, 2024**
                        “This month, we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, whose ingenuity, grit, and perseverance have pushed our great American experiment forward.”**- President Joe Biden**

                    
  


Content created by Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA) Content last reviewed May 13, 2024 Back to top
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