Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
Notable Asian-Pacific Americans and their Contributions to America
Bruce Lee�Actor & Martial Artist
Bruce Lee helped change the way Asians were presented in American films and starred in his first film when he was a baby. Bruce began training in martial arts when he was 16. In 1966 and 1967, Bruce Lee starred in tv shows like the Green Hornet and Batman. Bruce trained others in martial arts including his son.
Did You Know?: There is an 8 foot bronze statue of Bruce Lee in Hong Kong.
Michelle Kwan�Olympian & World Champion Figure Skater
Michelle Kwan began skating at the age of 5 and is considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time. Fashion designer Vera Wang designed most of Michelle’s costumes. Michelle still skates at a rink that her family owns in California.
Did You Know?: When competing, Michelle wore a Chinese good luck charm around her neck. The charm was a gift from her grandmother.
Duke Kahanamoku�Swimmer & Surfer
Duke Kahanamoku was 5 time Olympic swimmer and placed gold in the 1912 Summer Olympics. Duke went on to popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. There is a 9 foot bronze statue of Duke and his surfboard in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the first person to be inducted in both the Swimming Hall of Fame and Surfing Hall of Fame
Did You Know?: Duke Kahanamoku was an actor, beach volleyball player, business man and he was the sheriff of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Yo-Yo Ma�Musician
Yo-Yo Ma, born in Paris, began studying the cello at age 4 and has played in orchestras around the world. He has over 100 albums and is the winner of 19 Grammy Awards. Yo-Yo Ma brings music to young people through education programs, festivals and concerts. He plays 3 instruments.
Did You Know?: In 1986, Yo-Yo Ma played on Sesame Street with Elmo.
Men of Steel �Chinese Rail Builders
In 1865, 50 Chinese laborers were hired to lay a section of track to help build the transcontinental railroad. There work was so well done that more Chinese men were recruited to build the railroad. Because of the hard work of these men, North America became the first continent to have coast to coast railroad.
Did You Know?: Chinese laborers did the dangerous work that white men refused to do. They dammed rivers, dug ditches, and blasted tunnels through mountain ranges.
Maya Lin�Architectural Designer & Sculptor
Maya Lin is most known for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. She has also designed monuments in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lewis and Clark. Maya has a unique style of sculpting and architectural design that sets her apart.
Did You Know?: Maya’s brother, Tan Lin, is an American poet, author, and filmmaker.
Steven Chu�Physicist
Steven Chu served as the 12th United States Secretary of Energy. Steven won a Nobel- Prize in Physics for creating a way to cool and trap atoms with a laser. He says that when atoms are at low temperatures, they can be controlled to make measurement tools. He is currently working hard to research more renewable energy to fight climate change.
Did You Know?: In the 8th grade, Steven Chu taught himself how to play tennis by reading a book.
Jerry Yang�Entrepreneur
Jerry Yang was the CEO and co-founder of Yahoo! The search engine was created to help friends find cool websites. It eventually became a very popular search engine. Yahoo! was once the world’s most visited website.
Did You Know?: Jerry Yang is a golfer and sumo-wrestling fan.
Vera Wang�Fashion Designer
Vera Wang worked as an editor for Vogue magazine for 17 years before becoming a bridal wear designer. She designed wedding gowns for public figures, costumes for Olympians like Michelle Kwan, and she designed uniforms for the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders. Vera now has fragrances, jewelry, sunglasses, shoes and homeware.
Did You Know?: Vera Wang loves sports and exercise.
Dalip Singh Saund�Politician�
Born in India, Dalip Saund was the first Asian elected to Congress as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He took part in the fight for the right to vote for Indians in the United States. He opened the door for Asian Americans to enter United States politics.
Did You Know?: Dalip worked as a farmer for 20 years.
Amy Tan�Writer
Amy Tan received international attention with her first book, The Joy Luck Club. The book is about Chinese women and their Chinese-American daughters. The book has been translated into 25 languages and made into a movie. Amy has also written two children’s books and plays in a rock ‘n roll band.
Did You Know?: Before becoming a writer, Amy Tan was a pizza maker.
Yao Ming�Basketball Player
Yao Ming played in both the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Yao was the Houston Rockets’ first pick to be on their team in 2002. Due to injuries of his foot and ankle, Yao retired from basketball in 2011. Yao is one of the most recognizable Chinese athletes.
Did You Know?: Yao Ming is 7 feet and 6 inches tall.
Naomi Osaka�Tennis Player
Naomi Osaka is the first Asian player to be ranked #1 by the Women’s Tennis Association. Naomi has been training since she was three years old and has a strong serve. Although she was raised and trained in the United States, Naomi represents Japan, where she was born.
Did You Know?: Naomi Osaka can hit 100 miles per hour?
Allen Say �Writer & Illustrator
Allen Say is best known for his Caldecott Award winning book, Grandfather’s Journey. Most of his work is about Japanese and Japanese American characters and their stories.
Did You Know?: Allen say is also a photographer.
Sarah Chang�Violinist
Sarah Chang is a child prodigy. She began studying music at age 3 and recorded her first album at age 10. Her father was a composer and her mother was a violinist and music teacher. Sarah owns several violins and has performed with a numerous orchestras.
Did You Know?: Sarah Chang auditioned for and was accepted into Juilliard School at age 5.
What have these Asian-Pacific Americans contributed to American culture and history?
What other Asian-Pacific Americans could you celebrate?