May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

There are many exciting and special ways to honor and recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in 2026! With regard to entrepreneurship, data from the U.S. Census Bureau reports that Asian-owned businesses comprise the majority of minority-owned employer and non-employer businesses. Additionally, Illinois’ Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity published that at the state level, IL is “home to over 132,000 AAPI owned businesses that employ over 182,000 individuals and earn more than $45 billion in sales.”

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council has denoted the theme for this year’s commemorative month of May to be, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” and writes how this throughline “highlights the importance of leveraging our collective power, telling our stories, and being bridge builders in our communities. Bridges represent many values that are prevalent in AANHPI communities – innovation, resilience, hard work, connection, and a sense of belonging.”

We have collected the below links for continued celebration and involvement.

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago’s listicle of fundraisers and events
• How to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026 in Chicago
• Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Smithsonian Events and Resources

wegg® is wishing all of our AAPI community members a powerful and global May. Here’s to inspiring and uplifting your voices and businesses all year long!

“The only way that we can really create change is not just changing peoples’ minds. We also need to find ways to change peoples’ hearts.” 

– Cecilia Chung, Activist