Michigan is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during May.
The month honors the cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with Asian Americans currently the fastest-growing racial group in Michigan and nationwide, according to a proclamation from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
In Michigan, there are now about 405,000 residents of Asian descent, making up about 4% of the state’s population according to 2020 census data. Out of those, 334,300 are solely Asian, with an additional 70,000 residents who are part Asian. There are about 60,600 Michiganders who are part Asian and part white, and about 3,900 who are part Asian and part Black.
Whitmer proclaimed May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Michigan on May 1.
“Whereas, members of the AAPI community have shared their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed, which have strengthened our great democracy; and,” the proclamation read, “whereas, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders living in Michigan are a vital and valued part of our state, making significant contributions to academia, business, medicine, law, technology, government, science, and social justice, making our state a better place to live. …”
Here are six things to know, and 10 ways to celebrate:
What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, is a time to recognize the contributions of the diverse communities, according to The Asian American Foundation.
The month also emphasizes the importance of fighting racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, per Whitmer’s proclamation.
“Whereas, despite the strength shown and successes achieved by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we saw a staggering rise in bullying, discrimination, and hate crimes against the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic; and,” Whitmer’s proclamation states, “whereas, during this month, we should recommit ourselves to promoting equity and acceptance for the AAPI community, stand up against discrimination and hatred, and ensure that our state is a welcoming and inclusive place for all. …”
Who are Asian Americans?
Asian Americans trace their ancestry to over 20 countries in Asia, according to data from the Pew Research Center. Asian Americans can trace their roots in the U.S. to immigrants as early as the 1840s, The Asian American Foundation said.
Asian Americans span diverse national origins, languages, religious and cultural backgrounds across central, east, south and southeast Asia, ranging from recent immigrants and refugees to third-generation Americans and beyond, per the Pew Research Center.
Which ethnic groups are most represented among Asian Americans?
The six largest ethnic groups among Asian Americans are Chinese Americans at 22%, Indian Americans at 21%, Filipino Americans at 19%, Vietnamese Americans at 9%, Korean Americans at 8% and Japanese Americans at 7%, Pew Research Center data shows.
Among religious affiliations of Asian Americans, 34% are Christian, 11% are Buddhist, 11% are Hindu, 6% are Muslim, 4% identify with other faiths and 32% do not identify with any faith, according to Pew Research Center data.
Who are Pacific Islander Americans?
Pacific Islander Americans are Americans of Pacific Islander descent, including Native Hawaiians. There were about 662,417 Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander Americans as of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey population estimates.
Pacific Islanders are the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Island regions of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, according to Windward Community College. This includes the U.S. state of Hawaii, along with U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
How did AAPI Heritage Month come about?
Efforts to recognize Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders trace back to the U.S. Congress in 1977 designating Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week, according to the Federal Asian Pacific American Council. In 1979, former President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation recognizing the week.
May was selected due to its historical significance. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S., according to Whitmer’s proclamation. May 10, 1869, marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese immigrant laborers, The Asian American Foundation said.
In 1990, Congress and former President George H.W. Bush expanded the recognition to a month, according to the FAPAC. In 1992, Congress passed a law making the month an annual recognition.
What is Michigan’s AAPI population?
The two biggest groups among Asian Americans in Michigan are Indian Americans and Chinese Americans, the Detroit Free Press reported.
In Oakland County’s largest city, Troy, there now about 25,000 Asian American residents, making up over 29% of the population. Novi is now 28% Asian American, and in some of their public schools, Asians make up a plurality or majority of students. Other cities with a sizable Asian population or high number of Asian-owned businesses include Farmington Hills and Madison Heights.
Ways to celebrate AAPI month in Michigan
If you’re looking to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures this month, here are a few events and activities to consider in Michigan:
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Asian and Pacific Islander Month in Michigan. 6 things to know, 10 ways to celebrate
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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