Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

In May we celebrate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and recognize historic and current prejudices to overcome in the U.S. Many of the first Chinese immigrants built roads and railways that first connected the country. Immigration laws in 1887 and 1924 excluded Asian peoples; those already in the U.S. faced discrimination. During World War II, Japanese Americans – most U.S. citizens by birth – were forced into internment camps. A new law in 1965 opened immigration from Asia again. The talents, resilience and diversity of the Asian American Pacific Islander community are shared in programs and essays on THIRTEEN. May broadcasts include American Masters: Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha, about the Olympic champion; American Masters: Tyrus (May 17, 10 p.m.), featuring an artist who illustrated for Hollywood films and animated classics; Asian Americans (May 22, 12 p.m.); and American Experience: Plague at the Golden Gate (May 24, 9 p.m.).

Starting May 24, be/longing: Asian Americans Now will share stories of five Asian Americans from AAPI communities across the country at pbs.org/exploringhate.