FAHM
Grad Photo by Guilcon Giron, 2019
What is FAHM to me?
With November starting I wanted to reflect on what the past month has meant to me. October is significant for many reasons. First thoughts of October for some might be Halloween, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Indigenous People’s Day (because f*ck Chr*stopher C*lumbus, but that’s for another post).
October this year was a time for me to think about Filipino American History Month (FAHM). I was first introduced to FAHM while in college through an organization on George Mason University's Campus, GMU Filipino Culture Association. It wasn’t until after graduation I didn’t really connect or dive deeper into FAHM on a personal level.
In 2017 my family received the Congressional Medal of Honor on behalf of my great-grandfather, Pedro Nacman, a Filipino Veteran of WWII that fought for the United States. Looking back, I remember how emotional my grandfather was and how proud he was of his dad to finally receive recognition after all those years.
Sharing that moment as a family is something I will never forget.
FAHM for me is being proud of who I am and where my family comes from. FAHM for me is recognizing the past, present, and looking towards the future of Filipinx-Americans.
FAHM for me is taking a step back and listening to the stories of others that unite us as Filipinx.
We are all connected and that is enough to celebrate.
Now, go vote.
* If you have a story that you would like to share on FAHM or what your experience is, fill out a form on my page!