What Is Filipino American History Month?

Filipino American History Month, commonly known as FAHM, is observed throughout the United States every October.

October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. On October 18, 1587, Filipino sailors identified in historical records as “Luzones Indios” came ashore from a Spanish galleon near present-day Morro Bay, California.

Dr. Fred Cordova and Filipino American National Historical Society founder Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova helped establish October as Filipino American History Month. FANHS first celebrated the month nationally in 1992, and the United States Congress formally recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009.

Why History?

Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to study the histories that have shaped Filipino American communities and the United States. In the words of late Dr. Dawn Mabalon, FAHM is not only a celebration of culture or identity. FAHM asks us to recognize both well-known contributions and the histories that have been marginalized, erased, or left undocumented.

Filipino American history is still being made.

FAHM as Ethnic Studies Practice

At Sacramento State, Ethnic Studies students and faculty approach Filipino American History Month as more than a series of commemorative events. We believe that FAHM can be a form of Ethnic Studies practice: studying historical conditions, recognizing community knowledge, questioning dominant narratives, and creating opportunities for reflection and collective action.

We believe that FAHM should not become only a symbolic celebration or a form of university branding. FAHM should come from historical study, student authorship, community accountability, and sustained support for the people doing the work of Ethnic Studies, preserving and documenting community histories, and organizing community spaces that sustain Filipino American lives.