“AAPI” stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander.
Beginning in 2000, the U.S. Census had made the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) a specific category from the Asian American category. There are more than fifty distinguishable ethnicities of the Asian American and NHPI population in the United States. With more than 20 million people identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander, these are the fastest-growing groups in the country, and the 2020 census reflected that.
But a little history first; On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant arrived in America. On May 10,1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed. This railroad was worked on by approximately 20,000 Chinese immigrants. For these two significant dates in May, an AAPI Heritage Week proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Thirteen years later, Congress passed an amendment which declared the entire month of May as AAPI Heritage Month. It was to celebrate achievements and culture with “appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities.”
Here in New Hampshire the largest Asian American ethnic groups are as follows:
- Indian – 10,904
- Chinese (except Taiwanese) – 9,514
- Filipino – 6,304
- Korean – 4,447
- Vietnamese – 3,897
- Nepali – 2,549
The largest NHPI ethnic groups are as follows:
- Native Hawaiian – 579
- Guamanian or Chamorro – 268
- Samoan – 199
The number of AAPI adults eligible to vote in NH grew by 80% between 2010 and 2020. We have also seen their addition to the Congressional legislature in Concord. Rep. Latha Mangipudi is from Nashua and is serving her fifth term; Rep. Ben Ming is from Hollis and is serving his first term; Rep. Luz Ray is from Dover and she too, is serving her first term.
But they are not alone in their contributions to our state democracy. Nikhil Vootkur, Susmik Lama, and Mahendra Bakshi are AAPI Caucus Officers At-Large; Maitri Chittdi is the NHDP Secretary; Shanika Amarakoon is the Portsmouth City Chair and Mohammad Saleh is the Cheshire County Chair to name but a few!
On May 12, during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, the above-mentioned and many more were given a tremendous shout-out by the NHDP for “their countless contributions to the Party.” We were also fortunate enough to have as keynote speaker Congressman Ro Khanna from California.
May we all continue, together, to move New Hampshire and the country forward!
MULTILINGUAL VOTER HOTLINE If you, or anyone you know, has difficulty with language access or needs any other type of voting assistance (including questions about polling locations or voting procedures), please call the National Asian American Voter Hotline at 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683)