Celebrating AAPI Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month
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Happy Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month! This is an important time to share stories, expand representation, and ensure that many communities feel seen and supported.
Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was officially designated in the U.S. 1992, with the month of May chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843. May also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built by a majority of Chinese immigrants. AAPI Heritage Month celebrates heritage from over 20 countries, and recognizes the history, cultures, and rich diversity of Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.
At Horizons National, we're celebrating AAPI heritage with a continuation of our Future History Makers series, introducing AAPI-identifying Horizons students and their goals, inspirations, and dreams for the future. We're also sharing free resources including articles, reading lists, and teaching materials.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949, and is an opportunity to raise awareness and fight stigmas surrounding mental health experiences. This year, after Americans have faced isolation, political and social unrest, and trauma and grief because of the pandemic, it is an urgent time to advocate for better mental health care for all. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) has provided a great resource toolkit.
Horizons students' mental health is at the forefront of our minds this summer, especially after a tumultuous two years in and out of school. Our programs are prepared with social-emotional learning resources, professional counselors, additional classroom supports, and more to ensure students have continued opportunities to talk, listen, and learn in a positive community setting.
This month, we'll be joining the conversation on social media using the hashtags #Together4MH and #MentalHealthMonth, sharing resources to encourage everyone to prioritize their mental health, and advocating for mental health support and access for all.
May is a busy month for Horizons - don't forget that Horizons Giving Day is May 18!
Join us on social media for this special month!
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