Filipinx American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in October—a time to honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and diverse experiences of Filipinx Americans and their communities.
October holds special significance in Filipinx American history. On October 18, 1587, “Luzones Indios” traveling aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza came ashore in present-day Morro Bay, California—the earliest documented presence of Filipinos in the United States. [1]
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) began efforts to establish October as Filipino American History Month more than three decades ago. The late Dr. Fred Cordova, together with FANHS founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova, helped establish and advance the observance through FANHS. In 2009, the U.S. Congress formally recognized October as Filipino American History Month through Senate Resolution 298 and House Resolution 780. Since then, communities and institutions across the country have continued to commemorate FAHM through educational programs, celebrations, and opportunities for reflection. [1][2]
FAHM invites us not only to celebrate but also to learn. It provides an opportunity to explore the generations of Filipinx Americans whose labor, leadership, creativity, scholarship, advocacy, service, and care have contributed to communities throughout the United States.
Why “Filipinx”?
Language around identity continues to evolve. Scholar Kevin Nadal, PhD, has described the “x” as an acknowledgment of identities beyond the gender binary and connected its use to broader movements toward gender-inclusive language.
Filipinx is used by some community members as a gender-inclusive alternative to Filipino and Filipina, including as a way of recognizing identities beyond the gender binary. Other community members identify as Filipino, Filipina, Pilipino, Pilipina, Pinoy, Pinay, or use other terms that reflect their individual, cultural, and community identities. [3]
At UCSF
We recognize that there is no single way to describe the breadth of Filipinx American experiences. We honor the language people choose for themselves and welcome the diversity of identities, histories, and perspectives within our communities.
Filipinx American History Month (FAHM) is an opportunity to celebrate community, deepen our understanding of Filipinx American histories and experiences, and recognize the generations of people whose stories and contributions continue to enrich UCSF, the Bay Area, California, and communities beyond.
We invite you to learn, celebrate, reflect, and connect with us throughout Filipinx American History Month in October!
Sources & Additional Resources
- Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). “October is Filipino American History Month.”
- U.S. Congress. Recognizing the celebration of Filipino American History Month — Senate Resolution 298 and House Resolution 780, 111th Congress (2009).
- Nadal, Kevin L. “Pilipino American Identity Development Model.” Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Vol. 32, No. 1 (2004), pp. 44–61.
Learn more: Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)
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