May 16, 1990 · Washington, D.C.

Daniel Akaka Enters the US Senate

achievement

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.

Sources

senate.gov senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/image/akakadaniel.htm
congress.gov congress.gov/member/daniel-akaka/A000069

Also on May 16

May 16, 1983 achievement

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.)