Olin commemorates AAPI and Jewish American heritage months

We’re commemorating two cultural observances and promoting total health and well-being in May, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) team announced.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

Also known as AAPI Heritage Month, this annual celebration pays tribute to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose diverse journeys, life experiences, traditions and cultures have enriched America’s history and are pivotal to its future. The AAPI community includes citizens and immigrants from all of Asia and islands within the regions of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Comprising nearly 7% of the population, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing group in the United States. 

Jewish American Heritage Month 

May is also Jewish American Heritage Month, during which we commemorate the achievements and contributions of the American Jewish community to the United States. In May 2004, the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives, the American Jewish Historical Society, the Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration organized the 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History, which led to May being selected as Jewish American Heritage Month In 2006.  

As we take part in the celebratory nature of AAPI and Jewish American Heritage Months, we equally recognize the ongoing acts of bias, discrimination and injustice faced by these and other communities domestically and internationally. We invite you to continue to learn more about how you can engage in the work of positive change and champion inclusion. Our microlearning journeys from Blue Ocean Brain housed in the learn.WashU platform are one place to start. 

Mental Health Awareness Month 

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 by Mental Health America to increase awareness of mental health and wellness and reduce the stigma of mental health care. This year, Mental Health America has themed its Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit “Back to Basics,” and it focuses on primary information related to mental health, mental health conditions and mental health care.  

Our new micro-learning journeys for May, available on the learn.WashU platform, include:

Accepting Yourself and Others: Mental Health at Work

Mental Wellness and Well-Being at Work 

Here are other ways to get involved and learn more: 

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 
• Jewish American Heritage Month