During this month of May, we reflect and celebrate on all the richness that the Asian and Pacific Islander community has brought to the United States. This annual celebration recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in shaping American society. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, there were about 20.6 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Happy 2023 AAPI Month!.