Did you know? The first Asian American settlement, St. Malo, was founded by Filipino fishermen in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Though it's unclear exactly when the settlement was founded, it's estimated to have been around since at least the early 1800s!

This year, July 4th marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as the nation prepares to celebrate more than two centuries of its history. It's also the perfect occasion to learn more about the varied experiences and stories of the many diverse groups of the United States who all are an integral part of the nation's history — including Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities!

Thanks to Foundations and Futures, the new open-access, multimedia textbook on AAPI history from the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, anyone with a device that connects to the Internet can learn about AAPI history, for free! Keep reading to see some of the stories about incredible AAPI leaders, individuals, and communities that you can learn about for the nation's 250th birthday:

1. Patsy Takemoto Mink, the First Woman of Color in Congress

When Patsy Takemoto Mink took office in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1965, she became the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman to be elected to Congress. Did you know? She even ran for President in 1972. Mink is recognized for her work as the major author and sponsor of Title IX, federal legislation that sought to prohibit sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. In 2022, the law was renamed the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity Education Act, in her honor.

2. Asian American Pioneer Entrepreneurs: Realities of the American Dream

Asian American businesses and entrepreneurs, across many industries, have served an important role throughout history in forming and shaping their communities. However, the "model minority" myth, often associated with Asian Americans, suggests that the Asian Americans who are successful at business have achieved the "American Dream" and for the most part, overcome racial discrimination. However, studying the histories of Asian American businesses reveals both their inclusion and exclusion from certain economic privileges — and the diversity and disparities of Asian Americans' lived experiences.

3. The Complexity of Sāmoa "Enduring Friendship" with the United States

Sāmoa consists of an archipelago of islands divided into two jurisdictions: the Independent State of Sāmoa to the west, a sovereign nation, and American Sāmoa to the east, a territory of the United States. The US Navy administered American Sāmoa from 1900 - 1950, since then, it has been administered by the US Department of the Interior — a relationship described as an “enduring friendship” of protection. People born in American Sāmoa are classified as US nationals, meaning they have many of the same rights as US citizens (but not all rights). Today, more Samoan people live outside the islands of Sāmoa in the diaspora than in Sāmoa and American Sāmoa combined. Learn more about the complexity of the US and Sāmoa's "enduring friendship," and the many contributions to of Samonas to American history and culture, at the link below!

4. Asian American Popular Culture

The "information universe" of pop culture plays a major role in shaping how we see, and are seen by, the world. Since many Americans lack direct exposure to Asians and Asia, pop culture has often been a primary means by which Asian people, ideas, and traditions are understood (or misunderstood). For Asian Americans, pop culture often serves as an expression of cultural heritage and a way to build bridges to other communities. Keep reading to learn more about how Asian Americans have played an integral role in American pop culture throughout history!

5. Preserving Community Stories: The Art and Practice of Oral History

For many marginalized communities, including AAPI communities, oral histories have been a key tool to record community histories and preserve their stories, heritage, and expressions. Can collecting community histories confront the silencing of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders? Learn more about the practice of oral history — and how to conduct your own oral history with your community, at the link below!

Thank you to the Foundations and Futures AAPI Multimedia Textbook for all the content in this article!