Celebrating Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
We are excited to celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific IslandersÌý(AANHPI) Month. AANHPI Heritage Month honors the contributions, achievements, and influence of AANHPI Americans in shaping the culture and history of the nation.Ìý
Celebrating the Contributions of the AANHPI Community
M&T is proud to acknowledge and support the people who make AANHPI communities stronger.
Discover the history of AANHPI Heritage Month
Test your knowledge here.
First started as AAPI Heritage Month in 1978, it began as a weeklong celebration and was permanently extended to a monthlong celebration in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. In 2021, President Joe Biden expanded the name to AANHPI—to include the distinct history and contributions of Native Hawaiians.
Two historic reasons:
- To memorialize the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the U.S. in 1843.
- To honor the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869.
The AANHPI community includes people from:
The entire Asian continent
The Pacific Islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Figi, and the Solomon Islands)
Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, and the Federated States of Micronesia)
Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and Easter Island.
Celebrating with our Customers
Ree Dolnick
Founder & CEO of JECA Energy Bars
"For me, AANHPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and elevate awareness of the rich tapestry of cultures within the AANHPI community. The fusion of these diverse traditions and perspectives often results in something truly wonderful and mutually beneficial. It's a reminder of the importance of embracing and learning from one another's heritage."
John & Sophia Kim
CEOs & Co-Owners of King Spa
“Being an Asian-owned business owner in America often means navigating a unique blend of cultural heritage, the challenges of diversity and representation, and the opportunity to contribute to both the economy and the rich tapestry of American entrepreneurship.â€
Celebrate Your Culture with a Custom Card
Show off what's important to you by choosing an image from our library or uploading one of your own. No matter which option you choose, you'll be getting a card that allows you to access your funds in person, online and over the phone to avoid paying with cash or checks.
"When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it"
― cellist Yo-Yo MaÌý
