The beginnings of AAPI Heritage Month started in the 1970s when President Jimmy Carter first signed a bill that set aside a week in early May to recognize AAPI history and contributions. However, the bill did not guarantee an annual celebration, so presidents after Carter issued proclamations that renewed the weeklong celebration. 

In 1990, the celebration of AAPI Heritage became a month-long event, and in 1992, it finally became an annual event, occurring each May. May was chosen because the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. arrived in May of 1843, and the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in May of 1869, an event thousands of Chinese laborers helped make possible. Jeanie Jew, a former Capitol Hill staffer whose great-grandfather worked on the Transcontinental Railroad, was instrumental in making AAPI Heritage Month a yearly occurrence. She helped inspire Congressman Frank Horton, who eventually presented the bill that ensured AAPI Heritage Month would be celebrated each year.