May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time when we highlight the legacies and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States and our University community.

Our nation and world are greatly impacted by the dedication and innovation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. For example, Patsy Mink was the first Asian American woman to serve in Congress in 1964, and her contributions include advancing affordable child care and gender and racial equity. Mink also co-wrote the Title IX Law, which states that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Peter Tsai, a Taiwanese American materials scientist, invented the fabric used in N95 filters that have been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tsai-Fan Yu was a Chinese American doctor who discovered the relationship between gout and high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Her research identified a set of drugs that help treat gout.

During AAPI Heritage month at UMB, we also affirm our commitment and support for Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues and friends as we continue to see a perpetuation of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia against the AAPI community. We are pleased to have supported and sponsored AAPI events and programming at UMB this year and in past years.