May marks a special period of recognition and celebration for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in the United States. Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific American Heritage Month was established to honor the contributions and heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The gifts from this broad and rich range of cultures have significantly shaped the nation's identity.
Why May
AANHPI Heritage Month was officially designated in 1992. The month of May was chosen for this celebration due to two pivotal events:
- On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived on American soil.
- May 10, 1869 commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad, a monumental achievement to which Chinese laborers contributed immensely.
This month, we celebrate the enduring spirit and achievements of the AANHPI community and their profound influence on all facets of American society—from science and medicine to literature and art, and beyond.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Opportunities
The history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. is also marked by adversity. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the recent rise in anti-Asian hate incidents, the AANHPI community has faced significant challenges. Yet, through resilience and solidarity, they continue to fight against discrimination and for equality.
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) announced this year's Heritage Month theme: "Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity.” It's a call to action for communities and organizations nationwide to support leadership development within the AANHPI community. Together we can empower the next generation of AANHPI leaders to carry on the legacy of innovation and cultural enrichment.
The Legacy of Noble Kava
At Bula Kava House we give special thanks and attention to kava and the kava culture from the Pacific Islands.
Polynesia is comprised of about 1,000 islands with interconnected cultures and languages, including American Samoa, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Vanuatu and others. Many of these places produce and enjoy kava as a sacred practice.
Kava, also known as kava-kava (Piper methysticum), plays a significant role in the medicinal, religious, political, cultural and social practices across the South Pacific islands. Kava root has been used to make tea for over 3,000 years by Pacific Islanders.
Honoring Heritage Through Kava
We take pride in sourcing the best quality kava, a crop that has been an integral part of Pacific Island cultures for thousands of years.
Our mission is dual-focused:
- To share the rich tradition of kava with the world
- To ensure that our practices honor and reflect the deep respect we have for its origins
We are committed to ethical sourcing, which involves fair trade practices and building genuine relationships with local farmers. This ensures that our kava is not only of the highest quality but also promotes the well-being and prosperity of those who cultivate this sacred plant.
Joining Hands in Celebration
We invite you to join us in celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific American Heritage Month by learning about the diverse cultures and histories of the AANHPI community.
In honor of this heritage, we remind ourselves that our engagement with cultural traditions like kava drinking should always be rooted in respect and a genuine effort to honor those traditions authentically and thoughtfully.
Here's to celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific American Heritage Month – a testament to strength, culture and unity. Raise a shell of kava to the past accomplishments, present endeavors and future successes of the AANHPI community.