Did you know there are more than 300,000 Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander U.S. veterans living today? Neither did I!

For the 2021 observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Federal Asian Pacific Council (FAPAC) chose Advancing Leaders through Public Service as its theme, focusing on Asian Pacific Americans who are impacting their communities through purpose-driven service. This year’s campaign is also shining a spotlight on those communities who have been combating heightened persecution since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jewish Americans are also honored each May with nationwide events and exhibits celebrating their influence on American history and culture. This year’s observance will recognize how diverse communities have stood up for Jewish Americans in the battle against antisemitism, as well as the ways this community is combating discrimination from others in all of its forms.

The articles we’ve selected this month provide an opportunity to learn more about these influential people groups and the struggles they face today. Education leads to awareness, which is key in recognizing and diminishing our own biases against those outside of our circles. Only when we do that can we, as individuals, affect real change in the world around us.

PS – My book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, is now available! Click here to order.