From The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI): This May we observe Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month knowing that we are living in a time like no other. While we have enjoyed an unprecedented level of representation in film, television, the media, and public service, we continue to experience perpetual violence against and within our communities. We continue to endure erasure and disenfranchisement. One thing we can learn from this moment is that visibility alone is not enough, especially if it is only afforded to some of us.
We invite you to mark AA and NHPI Heritage Month this year by reflecting on what it means to be Visible Together–to recognize that AA and NHPI does not describe a singular population or demographic, but rather a coalition that is powerful for its vastness and complexity. Let us honor the historic efforts that have led terms such as AA and NHPI, AAPI, and APA to become more commonly known and used, and commit to empowering all who are encompassed within this coalition–especially those who have historically been marginalized within. Let us remember that representation cannot be selective–true representation must be collective. This year and into the future, we strive to be Visible Together.
Check out this article from NPR, "The story behind Asian Pacific American Heritage, and why it's celebrated in May".
Check out "Our Communities Our Neighbors" a video project from the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation. To learn more CLICK HERE.
To revisit content for our 2021 5-Day AAPI Heritage Month Equity Challenge CLICK HERE!
2023 AAPI Events & Activities in Pierce County
Asia Pacific Cultural Center is hosting many events in honor of AAPI Heritage Month! Visit their events page to learn more.
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities and others are paying tribute to generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Visit their AAPI Heritage Month page to learn more
Resources to support Asian American and Pacific Islander people and to report incidents of hate and bias:
Report incidents of hate and bias:
- Stop AAPI Hate tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
- WA State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs has a robust list of organizations for Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander folks to report incidents.
Education & Cultural Opportunities:
- Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs - AANHPI Heritage Month Events
- Visit Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park - https://tacomachinesepark.org/virtual-visit/
- Washington's State Art Collection - Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month
- Washington State Historical Society - SOUTH SOUND DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: LANGUAGES OF MEMORY A SOUTH SOUND JAPANESE AMERICAN DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, DATES: May 17, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, AGES: All ages, WHERE: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, TICKETS: FREE
- Join Tacoma Public Library in celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month with curated events, booklists, and more.
If you want to find volunteer projects, please click here
Other Events and Activities:
- Training: Bystander Intervention To Stop Anti-Asian/American Harassment And Xenophobia
- Northwest Asian Weekly
- Seattle International District Preservation Movement
- Pride Asia - Seattle
- 2021 Seattle Asian American Film Festival
- Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience