The Asian Reporter Pacific Northwest News q Volume 33 Number 5 q May 1, 2023 q www.asianreporter.com Asian Heritage Month Special Issue HONORING OUR HERITAGE. During the month of May, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. The idea of celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States began in mid-1977, when a resolution first appeared in the House of Representatives to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage week. Soon after, a similar bill was introduced in the senate. Both passed on October 5, 1978 and U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration. In 1990, the observance was extended from a week to a month. This year’s heritage month special section begins on page 8. (Illustration by Jonathan Hill) The Asian Reporter 922 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217 USA The Asian Reporter is published on the first Monday each month. Please report all hate crimes committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.