Celebrating Filipino American History Month at Northwell Health
Northwell Health is proud to recognize Filipino American History Month and this year’s theme: “The History of Filipino American Activism.” Every October since 1988, communities celebrate the role that Filipinos have played throughout American history. During World War II, Filipinos fought in the United States and in the Philippines alongside the United States to obtain world peace. By working in various fields such as technology, healthcare, construction, education, and more, Filipino Americans have contributed to the economic growth of this country. As of 2018, there are 4.1 million Filipino Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey (ACS) data. Filipino Americans are the country’s second largest self-reported Asian ancestry group.
We asked a few members of our Bridges Asian BERG what Filipino American History Month means to them and how they celebrate. We are proud to celebrate these individuals as well as all Filipino Americans who have brought creativity, passion and innovative ideas to life!
Meet some of our Bridges Asian BERG members below:
“I’m honoring this year’s theme by educating myself and engaging with others through watching documentaries, participating in a few of Northwell’s many diversity-focused activities, taking Northwell’s Introduction to Unconscious Bias course, reading about Larry Itliong, who organized Fil-Am farm laborers in California in the 1960s, and most important, I’m using my platform as a leader within Northwell to make space for important conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion.”
“To me, Filipino American History Month serves as a reminder to take the time to reflect on our roots, remember our family and ancestors, and take the opportunity to incorporate our culture in our everyday lives. It’s a chance to share and educate others about our heritage and culture. It’s really an honor that we are given recognition.”
“Filipino American History Month is a time when I can reflect on the impact Filipinos have made in the fabric of our country, in all sectors and systems like finance, culinary and healthcare. We celebrate Filipino American History Month in our home by making our favorite Filipino dishes, like Sinigang, a tangy, tamarind-based soup. It’s a time to appreciate the things that make Filipino culture unique and also intertwined with the world.””
“For me, Filipino American History Month means a time to reflect on my Filipino heritage. As a Filipino/Japanese woman, I am excited to spend time learning more about my family’s Filipino traditions and history this month.”
“This month gives me an opportunity to learn more about the contributions that Filipino-Americans have made to this country. I look up to my mother who came here in the 1960s as a nurse. I look at how happy she is and I am grateful for what she sacrificed by coming here to give my brothers and me a better life.”
“As a Filipino American, it is important for me to see myself and other co-workers of similar heritage develop professionally. Being part of the Asian BERG allows me to have a voice and share ideas in an inclusive and diverse environment to help improve the health outcomes in our communities. It serves as a platform for me to collaborate with talented people within and outside of our organization.”
“The Filipino American History Month is a recognition of all my fellow Filipino’s economic, historical and cultural contributions in the United States. We celebrate our heritage, not just this month, but every day through food, music and relationships with people.”
Join a team that celebrates the power of being Truly Ourselves. Learn more about Northwell Health’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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