Filipino American History Month
Official nameFilipino American History Month
Observed byUnited States
TypeSecular, heritage, cultural, ethnic
SignificanceCelebration of Filipino American history
Begins1 October
Ends31 October
FrequencyAnnual
Related toFilipino-American Friendship Day
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992.[1]

October was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587.[2] It is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong.[3]

In California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside,[4] Filipino American History Month is celebrated annually.[5] Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.[6][7]

While some used the term Filipino American Heritage Month[8] interchangeably with Filipino American History Month, FANHS cites that the month should be properly focused on "history" instead of "heritage." Whereas history includes the events, experiences, and lives of people and their impact on society, "heritage" is solely about cultural traditions handed down from the past.[9]

Arkansas

In 2022, Filipino American History Month was recognized in Arkansas after official proclamations were issued by Governor Asa Hutchinson.[10]

California

Filipino Americans with City of San Diego Council Members after a city council meeting in October 2023.

In California, Filipino American History Month was first recognized statewide in 2006, when the California Department of Education placed it on its celebrations calendar.[11] In 2009, California State Senator Leland Yee introduced a resolution, which was passed, that recognizes October as Filipino American History Month.[12] It passed the California State Assembly and was submitted to the California Secretary of State.[13][14]

Hawai'i

In 2008, Filipino-American History Month was recognized by the Hawai'i State Legislature.[15] Former State Representative Joey Manahan and members of the Filipino Caucus introduced the legislation "to designate the month of October as Filipino-American History Month to commemorate the contributions of Filipino-Americans to Hawaii and the United States."[16] The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Linda Lingle on April 15, 2008.[15]

Nationally

In the 103rd Congress, a resolution to nationally recognize Filipino American History Month was introduced.[17] The House of the 111th Congress introduced a House Resolution 155 (H. RES. 155) to officially recognize this month for Filipinos.[18] In October 2009, the Senate of the 111th Congress passed a resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month.[19] In November 2009, Congress passed the resolution (H. RES. 780),[20] officially recognizing October as Filipino American History Month.[21]

See also

References

  1. ^ "A Resolution: October is Filipino American History Month" (PDF). Filipino American Historical National Society. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
  2. ^ "Filipino American History, 425 Years and Counting". kcet.org. 18 October 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  3. ^ Federis, Marnette. "California To Recognize Larry Itliong Day On Oct. 25". capradio.org. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  4. ^ Nadal, Kevin (2011). Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice. John Wiley & Sons. p. 27. ISBN 9781118019771. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  5. ^ "Filipino Culture". Office of Campus Activities. Catholic University of America. Archived from the original on 1 March 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  6. ^ "Case resolution marks centennial of Filipino immigration". KPUA. Associated Press. 27 July 2005. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  7. ^ Escobar Cantiveros, Rodolfo (2006). "The Filipino Journal". Filipino Journal. 20 (21). Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  8. ^ Susan Enright (6 October 2015). "October is Filipino American Heritage Month at UH Hilo". University of Hawaiʻi News. University of Hawaiʻi. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
  9. ^ "Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  10. ^ Hardcastle, Madison (2022-11-01). "Filipino American History Month recognized for the first time in Arkansas". KATV. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  11. ^ Calendar of Events – 2006 – Fact Book (CA Dept of Education) Archived September 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ "California Senate Passes Filipino American History Month Legislation". The Virginian-Pilot. 14 July 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  13. ^ "SCR 48 ( Yee )". TotalCapitol.com, LLC. 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  14. ^ "Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 48" (PDF). Legislative Counsel. State of California. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  15. ^ a b Dreyer, Thelma (1 October 2008). "It's Filipino-American History Month!". Hawaii House Blog. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  16. ^ "H.B. NO. 3343 H.D. 1 RELATING TO FILIPINO-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH". Hawaii State Legislature. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  17. ^ "H. J. RES. 141" (PDF). United States Government Printing Office. 9 March 1993. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  18. ^ Bob, Filner (12 February 2009). "Text – H.Res.155 – 111th Congress (2009–2010): Recognizing Filipino American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the Nation". thomas.loc.gov. Archived from the original on 4 July 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  19. ^ "S.Res.298 – A resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month in October 2009". Congress.gov. Library of Congress. 1 October 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  20. ^ "H.Res.780 – Recognizing the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October". Congress.gov. Library of Congress. 2 November 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  21. ^ Rodel Rodis (5 November 2009). "Filipino American History Month". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
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