May is Asian American and Pacific Heritage Month. May was chosen in the late 1970s to coincide with the anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Thousands of Asians help build that railroad but Asians and Pacific Islanders have contributed much more to America.
Pennsylvania is home to 433 thousand people who trace their roots to Asia and the Pacific Islands. Many are entrepreneurs who have created businesses in the state.
We discuss that unique history and heritage on Monday’s Smart Talk with Tiffany Chang Lawson, Executive Director, Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and Special Projects and Thomas S. Lee, Vice Chair of the Commission.
Also, the Reconstruction period after the Civil War is generally thought to be from 1865 to 1877. It’s a time that doesn’t get much attention in the history books, but yet it’s when decisions were made that still are being felt today. Many of those decisions didn’t have a positive impact.
On Monday’s program, we’re joined by Dr. Allen Guelzo, author of the new book Reconstruction A Concise History. Dr. Guelzo is the Henry R. Luce Professor of the Civil War Era and Director, Civil War Era Studies Program at Gettysburg College.
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