The original heritage month was AAPI, which stood for Asian American and Pacific Islander. In 2021, the White House made it a priority to bring visibility to the needs of the Native Hawaiian community, including the recognition of Native Hawaiians in the administration’s initiatives and celebrations. As a result, AAPI Heritage Month became AANHPI Heritage Month, for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The 24 million-member AANHPI community traces their roots to more than 75 countries, 50 distinct ethnic groups and more than 100 languages. It will have a projected buying power of $1.9 trillion by 2026 and is set to become the largest immigrant group by the middle of the century. Yet, according to a 2020 Morning Consult survey, 3 in 5 Asian American-Pacific Islander respondents said they rarely or never see people who look like they do in advertising materials. According to Ad Age, brands are starting to take proactive steps to tap into this immense economic potential by understanding the identities that make up subgroups within and forging meaningful connections to products and services.
Duke Kahanamoku was Hawaii’s first Olympian and first Olympic champion in swimming. Known as “The Duke” and the “Father of Modern Surfing,” the five-time Olympic medalist broke through racial barriers and popularized the sport of surfing as we know it. Duke won gold medals in 1912 and 1920 and a silver medal in1924. He proudly brought attention to the island of Hawaii and embodied the spirit of Aloha, a deep love and respect for people, places, and resources. Duke also became the first person inducted in both the swimming and surfing Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Patsy Matsu Mink was an American attorney and politician from Hawaii. She served in the United States House of Representatives for 24 years as a member of the Democratic Party, initially from 1965 to 1977, and again from 1990 until her death in 2002. She became the first woman from Hawaii elected to Congress, the first woman of color elected to the House, the youngest member from the youngest state, as well as the first Japanese-American woman member in Congress. Patsy is also known for her work on legislation advancing women’s rights and education.