Reflections on Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month from the Estée Lauder Companies Asian Affinity Employee Resource Group

This is not a moment, it’s a movement

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has been reeling from the anti-Asian rhetoric and violence that has left the community questioning where their place in America is, surmounting to a reckoning that it is no longer acceptable to stay silent.

Loved ones, colleagues and acquaintances have checked in and asked, “How are you feeling?” This seemingly simple question has led to honest conversations and deep reflection, leading to the more powerful question of, “What can I do?”

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (APAHM) and it comes at a critical moment for the AAPI community. It is important we recognize that AAPI history has enriched American history for over 150 years. Formally designated by Congress in 1992, May was chosen because it recognized the first wave of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. (1843) and the contributions of Chinese pioneers to the transcontinental railroad (1869). Throughout the decades, the month has evolved to honoring the broad contributions of all AAPI across society, including arts, culture, politics and science.

Throughout May, ELC’s Asian Affinity Group Employee Resource Group (AAG) is encouraging the ELC family to share their stories in a call to action campaign titled, “I am ___.” The storytelling campaign celebrates the diversity within the Asian diaspora to dismantle the narrative and treatment of Asians as a monolith. There is no better moment to share and celebrate the unique stories of the Asian and Pacific Islander’s diverse, rich heritage and culture.