May 16 in AANHPI history — AANHPI History Calendar

1983

I.M. Pei Wins the Pritzker Prize

Chinese American architect I.M. Pei received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor; his works include the National Gallery's East Building and the Louvre Pyramid. (Shares May 16 with Daniel Akaka's Senate appointment.)

1990

achievement

Daniel Akaka Enters the US Senate

Daniel Akaka was appointed to the US Senate from Hawaii, becoming the first US senator of Native Hawaiian descent; he won election that November and served until 2013.