history and mission
The Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) was formed in Houston in 1992 to “promote awareness and increase understanding of the Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and its diversity through education and celebration,” focusing on the month of May, which is celebrated nationally as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and continuing throughout the year.
As a nonprofit 501( c ) ( 3 ) organization, APAHA’s mission is to recognize and promote the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and our heritage through education and celebration.
To make a difference in our community, APAHA has collaborated with many community and educational organizations to provide ongoing educational, cultural and scholarship programs in the greater Houston area.
In June 1977, Representative Frank Horton (New York) and Representative Norman Mineta (California) proclaimed in a House Resolution that the first 10 days of May to be Asian Heritage Week. In May 1990, President George H.W. Bush extended the recognition and designated the entire month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.