May recognizes the centuries of historical and cultural contributions various ethnic groups have made in the United States. From medical discoveries to work done on the first transcontinental railroad, these communities have helped shape America.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders have enriched America鈥檚 history and culture. The AAPI community has contributed a great deal to scientific research in the United States. This includes the discovery of a cell鈥檚 genetic code and research into the causes and treatments for gout.
May was chosen to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to remember the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. on May 7, 1843. North American鈥檚 first transcontinental railroad, which was mostly completed by Chinese immigrants, was also finished in May of 1869.
The two racial categories, 鈥淎sian鈥� and 鈥淧acific Islander,鈥� replaced the single term 鈥淎sian Pacific Islander,鈥� in 2000. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Asian Americans as, 鈥渁 person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.鈥� A Pacific Islander may have origins in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or another Pacific Island.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.
In April of 2006, President George W. Bush officially announced May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The efforts lead by Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida community members resulted in resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. The legislation passed the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously, ultimately dedicating May to promote a deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) has opened a new exhibit to bring awareness to the rise of anti-Semitic violence. A virtual and in-person program examines the January 2022 hostage situation at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, TX.
The Carolina Center for Jewish Studies at the 黑料网 was established in 2003 with the goal to unite people with a common passion for a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture and thought.
Cinco De Mayo- 5/5
The 5th of May commemorates the anniversary of Mexico鈥檚 victory over French forces in 1862 known as the Battle of Puebla. Although the 6,000 French troops were more equipped,聽General Ignacio Zaragoza and Mexico’s 2,000 armed men were able to defeat them. France didn’t completely withdrawal from the county for another five years, however many say the victory on May 5th became Mexico’s symbol of resistance to foreign domination.
The day is celebrated in Puebla with parades and reenactments but is not as recognized throughout the rest of Mexico. Traditionally, celebrating the holiday includes indulging in Mole Poblano, a sauce made with chilis, fruit, nuts, seeds and Mexican chocolate, served over pork, turkey or chicken. In the U.S. the celebration of Cinco De Mayo became a way for Mexican immigrants to share their culture. Some of the largest celebrations are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.
Cinco De Mayo is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day which is held on September 16th.
Other Holidays and Observances
5/6 National Nurses Day-recognizes the vital role nurses play in society as well as their dedication to their patients 
5/8 Mother’s Day-聽a holiday celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May to recognize the contributions mother’s make to their families and society
5/17 World Hypertension Day– observed annually to bring awareness to the prevention, detection and control of high blood pressure
5/18 HIV Vaccine Awareness Day– a time to thank community members and health professionals for their dedication to finding an HIV preventative vaccine
5/19 Hepatitis Testing Day, Hepatitis Awareness Month- brings attention to viral hepatitis transmission and encourages testing and vaccination
5/20 National Clinical Trials Day-聽recognizes the day James Lind started what many consider the first randomized clinical trial in 1747
5/25 National Senior Health Fitness Day- on the last Wednesday of May organizations across the county hold events to promote the wellness movement for seniors
Older Person Awareness Month- celebrates the contributions older adults have made and raises awareness for older adult abuse and neglect
5/30 Memorial Day-聽on the last Monday in May America remembers those who have died while fighting for our country
National Arthritis Awareness Month- brings attention to the condition which impacts more than 50 million adults
Lupus Awareness Month- a time to educate people about the impact of the long-term autoimmune disease and an opportunity for the lupus community to come together
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month- increases education of the genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive systems
Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month- recognized since 1984 to educate patients and community members