Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Honoring legacy and transportation triumphs

Gisa McCray Simmons

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a time of reflection and celebration, tracing its roots back to the 95th Congress in 1977-1978. This period saw the introduction of joint resolutions aimed at honoring the accomplishments of individuals from these communities. These efforts culminated in the designation by Congress of the first 10 days of May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. Subsequently, President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4650 on March 28, 1979, marking the inaugural presidential proclamation for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Over the years, this observance evolved, with President George H.W. Bush officially designating May 1990 as the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

One significant aspect of AANHPI history lies in this group’s contributions to transportation, exemplified by the remarkable endeavors of individuals such as Chin Lin Sou, whose leadership and expertise were instrumental in the construction of major railroads in the United States during the 19th century. He served as the foreman for Chinese workers on projects such as the Central Pacific Railroad and the Denver Pacific Railroad, which was the first railroad to serve the Colorado Territory. It covered the 100 miles between Cheyenne and Denver, routed through the railroad town of Evans. Chin played a pivotal role in connecting the nation through these vital transportation arteries. His legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit and invaluable contributions of Asian Americans in Colorado and across the country, and to the development of modern transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, stands as a monumental achievement in American history. This engineering marvel not only connected the country from coast to coast but also revolutionized cross-country travel, reducing that time from six months to one week. The contributions of 12,000 Chinese laborers to the construction of the western section of the railroad were indispensable to its completion. Despite adversity, including prejudice and harsh working conditions, these workers persevered, advocating for fair wages and safer working conditions. Their resilience and determination exemplify the enduring American ideals of equal opportunity and the dignity of labor.

As AANHPI Month is celebrated, the late former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta is also recognized. Mineta was the first Asian American to serve in this position and is the longest-serving secretary in the history of the U.S. Department of Transportation. He became the 14th Secretary of Transportation on Jan. 25, 2001. Mineta's recognition of the significance of equitable treatment for all individuals enabled him to establish a profound link between transportation and civil rights. He shaped the transportation elements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. He was also instrumental in shaping and passing legislation that provided restitution to Japanese Americans to redress their treatment by the U.S. government in the 1940s.

RTD is proud to be a transit agency that holds diversity and respect as values while ensuring no one – neither employees nor customers – is discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Concurrently, RTD acknowledges that as a society, there is still a long road ahead to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all.

RTD encourages its employees and customers to commemorate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit some local destinations to honor the month and use the RTD Trip Planner to plan your trip. Some opportunities include:

  • Attend the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 27 and 28 at Sloan’s Lake. This free annual festival build bridges of awareness, knowledge and understanding between the diverse Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and the general public through cultural education, leadership development and athletic competition.It features dragon boat races, cultural performances, food vendors and a marketplace selling traditional crafts and goods.

  • Explore the Arts of Asia collection at the Denver Art Museum. This collection is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Western United States. Included are 5,000 objects spanning 4,000 years of Asian art and culture.These collections can be viewed online or in person.

  • Join the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) and its collaborative partners for a special event celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: "Amplifying the Voices of Colorado Asian Professionals." This event will feature a panel of AANHPI professionals in law, business, real estate and politics sharing their stories, amplifying voices and celebrating the diverse perspectives within the AANHPI community in Colorado. 

  • Participate in a stunning showcase of Japanese cultural heritage from ARCINDA (The Art and Culture of Indonesia) with a dance performance and gamelan, the percussion orchestra that is integral to Indonesian culture, at the Sam Gary Branch Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

  • Explore the Far East Center in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver, recently designated by History Colorado as a historic site.

  • Explore the Little Saigon Denver webpage to view a wide array of authentic Vietnamese restaurants, shops and cultural events that showcase the unique flavors and traditions of Vietnam. This month, there will be vendors at the AAPI Culture Fest, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the McNichols Civic Center Building.

As RTD celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the agency honors the past and recognizes these communities' ongoing contributions to the tapestry of American society. Through their resilience, ingenuity and unwavering spirit, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have left an indelible mark on the transportation landscape and beyond, enriching the fabric of our nation's history.

By Gisa McCray Simmons