NaFFAA Celebrates AANHPI Heritage Month and Highlights Filipino American Achievements

Washington DC (May 27, 2024) – As AANHPI Heritage Month unfolds, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly commemorates the diverse heritage and remarkable achievements of Filipino Americans across the United States.

Throughout the month of May, NaFFAA joins hands with fellow AANHPI organizations in celebrating the rich cultural tapestry and invaluable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the American mosaic. In solidarity with the AANHPI community, NaFFAA reaffirms its commitment to advancing equity, justice, and unity for all.

One of the standout events in this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month is the Baybayin Tattoo Exhibit in San Francisco, a captivating exploration of Filipino heritage through the ancient script of Baybayin. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of Filipino Americans, showcasing their profound impact on American culture and society.

Bay Area-based Filipino tattoo artist Jeff Maronilla-Seva Quintano with baybayin tattoo wearers, during the opening of “Bagong Liwanag 2: Baybayin Tattoos” exhibit at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco on 9 May 2024. (Lou Angeles photo)

In addition, NaFFAA celebrates the landmark decision in Hawaiʻi, where the state became the first in the U.S. to approve a statewide Filipino history and culture course. This milestone underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving the rich heritage and contributions of Filipino Americans in shaping the cultural landscape of America.
Leaders of the Filipino Curriculum Project, pictured with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education’s new Superintendent Keith T. Hayashi (center) after he took office earlier this year. Courtesy of the Filipino Curriculum Project

“We stand in solidarity with our fellow AANHPI organizations in celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month and honoring the achievements of Filipino Americans,” said Mariela Fletcher, NaFFAA National President. “At NaFFAA, we are committed to empowering Filipino Americans to embrace their cultural heritage, advocate for their communities, and strive for excellence in all endeavors.”

Filipino Americans are increasingly gaining a seat at the table, with over 40 individuals elected during the 2022 midterm elections, reflecting a growing recognition of the community’s influence and impact in American society.

“Our Filipino American community continues to make significant strides in various fields, from politics to business, education, and beyond,” said Brendan Flores, NaFFAA National Chair. “As we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month, let us continue to build on our achievements and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to empower Filipino Americans, NaFFAA is thrilled to announce the upcoming NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference and Civic Leadership Forum. Scheduled to take place at The Atheneum in Detroit, Michigan, from August 16th to 17th, 2024, this transformative event will provide Filipino American leaders and advocates with a platform to connect, collaborate, and chart the course for a brighter future. For more information and to register, please visit https://naffaa.org/nec2024/
For more information about NaFFAA and its initiatives, please visit www.naffaa.org.

Since 1997, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been the standard-bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA is the largest non-partisan, non-profit organization and national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals. Its fourteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.