APIA Every Day (3) - San Francisco's Chinatown stands as the oldest and most resilient Chinatown in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850s. Born from the influx of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush (1848–1855), this iconic neighborhood has weathered discrimination, exclusionary laws (1882), and economic challenges to become a vibrant community offering its residents everything they needed within its compact boundaries. From work and food to benevolent associations, entertainment, education, and religious institutions, Chinatown epitomizes the endurance and determination of Asian Americans in the face of adversity.

📌APIA Every Day (2) - Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, situated in the remote expanse of the Northern Pacific Ocean, holds immense historic and cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. Covering 88 million acres of turbulent seas, basaltic islets, and coral atolls, this World Heritage Site is not only one of the largest environmentally protected areas on Earth but is deeply woven into the complex tapestry of Native Hawaiian history and traditions. Inscribed on the World Heritage List for both natural and cultural values in 2010, Papahānaumokuākea has long been regarded as a sacred landscape and seascape by Hawaii's traditional people. It's an area that tells the story of ancestral Oceanic people who navigated these open waters using traditional wayfinding techniques, connecting the remote islands through open-ocean voyaging over millennia.

These islands, such as Nihoa and Mokumanamana, are recognized in both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, bearing witness to Native Hawaiians' presence in these lands from as early as 1000 A.D. to 1700 A.D. With archaeological sites, agricultural terraces, religious places, and habitation features, these islands served as focal points for ritual ceremonies and continuous human occupation, rooted in Hawaiian religious and ritual practices. Mokumanamana, known for its celestial alignments for navigational purposes and other cultural significance, represents a connection between the worlds of spirits and the living, showcasing the enduring relevance of Native Hawaiian cultural heritage in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Today, Papahānaumokuākea remains an essential place for Native Hawaiians to preserve their rich cultural identity and knowledge systems, bridging the past and present in a living relationship with these sacred islands.

📌APIA Every Day (1) - Saint Malo was a historic fishing village in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, situated along the shores of Lake Borgne. It is recognized as the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States and possibly the oldest Asian-American settlement. The exact date of its establishment is disputed, with some accounts suggesting it was formed as early as 1763 or 1765 by Filipino deserters and escaped enslaved people from Spanish Manila galleon trade. These settlers, often referred to as Manila men or Manilamen, played a significant role in the defense of New Orleans when they were recruited by local pirate Jean Lafitte to join the "Baratarians" in support of American forces led by Andrew Jackson. The settlement of Saint Malo was destroyed in 1915 by the New Orleans hurricane, and its remnants assimilated into New Orleans.

Saint Malo's history is closely linked to the origins of dried shrimp in Louisiana. The Manilamen introduced this culinary innovation, contributing to the seafood industry by preserving and concentrating the flavor of shrimp through boiling, brining, and sun-drying. They transported dried shrimp globally and significantly influenced Louisiana's modern-day shrimp industry. The Manilamen's arrival in Louisiana remains shrouded in mystery, with various theories suggesting they came on Spanish trade vessels in the mid-1700s or were Filipino sailors and servants who jumped ship during the Manila-Acapulco trade route. Their legacy, however, has often been overlooked, with their story fading over time due to assimilation, limited historical records, and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

APIAHiP is thrilled to unveil APIA Every Day (APIA Ed), a captivating initiative that invites you to embark on a daily journey through the rich tapestry of Asian & Pacific Islander American history and heritage. Every day, we spotlight a new historic site or cultural resource that holds immense significance for Asian & Pacific Islander Americans, showcasing their profound contributions to the American narrative.

Our mission is clear: to shed light on an abundance of sites, both on local, state, and national registers, as well as those yet to be recognized. We strive to expand awareness beyond well-known landmarks, encouraging a collective understanding of the diverse and multifaceted stories of our communities. Through this, we aim to bridge gaps in historical representation and elevate underrepresented sites, stories, and communities that are integral to our broader understanding of American history.

With each spotlight, we delve into the research and information available, amplifying others' diligent work. Additionally, we advocate for preserving and understanding these invaluable sites, seeking your support and engagement in this important cause. We invite you to learn about new sites and stories, while actively participating by sharing your recommendations of places that matter to you and your regional or ethnic communities.

Join us in this enlightening exploration by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or by visiting this webpage frequently. Together, let's celebrate the diverse heritage and rich history of Asian & Pacific Islander Americans, one spotlight at a time. APIA Every Day is an invitation to honor the past and shape a more inclusive future!