The month of October is celebrated as the Filipino American History Month and this whole month is dedicated to the Filipino-American community in the United States.
Filipino-Americans are one of the largest immigrant groups in the United States and they are the second largest Asian-group in the country after the Chinese and are also the third largest racial group in California.
Their contributions to the United States are exemplary and that's why their achievements are recognized and celebrated throughout this designated month.
| Event | Filipino American History Month |
|---|---|
| Date | October 1, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day recognize the contributions that Filipino-American community |
| Observed by | United States |
Filipino American History Month History:
In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992. October was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong.
Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios back then, and they were primarily the Filipino sailors who were enrolled into the Spanish navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they arrived at the shores of present-day Morro Bay, California.
In California, Filipino American History Month was first recognized statewide in 2006, when the California Department of Education placed it on its celebrations calendar. In 2009, California State Senator Leland Yee introduced a resolution, which was passed, that recognizes October as Filipino American History Month.
In Hawaai in 2008, Filipino-American History Month was recognized by the Hawaii State Legislature. Former State Representative Joey Manahan and members of the Filipino Caucus introduced the legislation “to designate the month of October as Filipino-American History Month to commemorate the contributions of Filipino-Americans to Hawaii and the United States.” The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle on April 15, 2008.
Following years of campaigning and advocacy by both the civil society and organizations, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992. But it was in 2009 when this got official recognition nationally when Congress recognized the month of October officially as Filipino American History Month in the U.S.
Filipino American History Month Significance:
In California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is widely celebrated. Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.
Many people also uses the term Filipino American Heritage Month for this event but according FANHS this is totally wrong to refer it that as FANHS cites that the month should be properly focused on "history" instead of "heritage." Whereas history includes the events, experiences, and lives of people and their impact on society, "heritage" is solely about cultural traditions handed down from the past.
This is a day which is celebrated to recognize the contribution that Filipino-American community had made throughout their history for the United States in every field be it labor force to skilled professionals or even in the US military. As during WW2 also large number of Filipino-Americans served during the war and hence respect must be paid to them.
Filipino-Americans make one of the biggest communities in the United States today and they are the second largest Asian community in the nation as well and hence this day tries to bring awareness to the fact and urges all people to end any type of discrimination against the Filipino-Americans based on race. This day also urges people to stay with together without any form of partiality and only with peace and harmony.
Filipino American History Month Celebrations:
Learn more about the Filipino-Americans history! Well if you are Filipino-American yourself or you are not but very much interested into this topic then it is the right time for you to dig a further dip into this topic and know where it first begin and how it shaped throughout times. By doing so you will also get to encounter many interesting stories.
Many prominent Filipino-American artists have left their mark on American culture. See their great works in art, music, literature, and more. In this way you will also pay a tribute to their legacy but also you will get to celebrate the contributions of Filipino-Americans in the country and you will also get a nice source of entertainment so what else do you want now.
Join in the celebrations of the Filipino-American community with parades, songs, festivals, and feasts! Yeah mingle with them as it is a great way to socialize and while doing so you will also get to know more about the Filipino culture and traditions.
Most Searched FAQs on Filipino American History Month:
1. Which month is designated as the Filipino American History Month?
The month of October has been designated as the Filipino American History Month.
2. Why is Filipino American History Month celebrated?
Filipino American History Month appreciates the history and legacy of Filipinos living in the United States.
3. How many Filipino-Americans lives in the US?
According to recent reports US has about 4.2 million Filipino-Americans.