Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992.
| Filipino American History Month | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Filipino American History Month |
| Observed by | United States |
| Type | Secular, heritage, cultural, ethnic |
| Significance | Celebration of Filipino American history |
| Begins | 1 October |
| Ends | 31 October |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Filipino-American Friendship Day Asian Pacific American Heritage Month |
October was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong.
In California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is celebrated annually. Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.
While some used the term Filipino American Heritage Month interchangeably with Filipino American History Month, FANHS cites that the month should be properly focused on "history" instead of "heritage." Whereas history includes the events, experiences, and lives of people and their impact on society, "heritage" is solely about cultural traditions handed down from the past.