May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Established by the U.S. Congress in the 1990s, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month highlights the stories of people in the United States who are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent. This includes people from the Asian continent and islands across the South Pacific including Hawaii, American Samoa, Federated Islands of Micronesia, Guam, and more.
This May, the City of Philadelphia and many community organizations are hosting celebrations as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! See some of these events listed below.
RISE: A Love Letter to the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community
Thursday, May 26 | 4 – 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Mayor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Asian Arts Initiative, Office of Immigrant Affairs and Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement
The City of Philadelphia invites you to join the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in an evening of dance, music, and an incredibly special opportunity to hear from two national icons—Jeff Yang and Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man), who will discuss their recently released bestselling book, RISE: a Pop History of Asian American Culture from the Nineties to Today. The authors will speak about the implications of Asian American and Pacific Islander visibility in pop culture, on the occasion of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Learn more and register for this free event.
Belonging Begins with Us: Stopping AAPI Hate and Violence for the Long-Term
Monday, May 16 | 1-2 p.m.
Virtual. Join event here
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
In support of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the PHRC presents: Belonging Begins with Us: Stopping AAPI Hate and Violence for the Long-Term.
Presented by: Romana Lee-Akiyama, Director, Office of Public Engagement, City of Philadelphia
Talking Diversity: Renew and Rebuild: Our Communities and Beyond
Wednesday, May 18 | 12 – 1 p.m.
Virtual. Join event here
Sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
May is dedicated to celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) which recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
This year’s theme is “Renew and Rebuild: Our Communities and Beyond”. This month’s Talking Diversity will continue the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion tradition of honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as well as recognize the issues affecting the AAPI community and how we can all show up as agents of change for ourselves; as well, as others.
Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: A Philadelphia Story
Wednesday, May 18 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Crane Chinatown, 1001 Vine Street
Sponsored by WHYY and Asian American Journalists Association Philly Chapter
The Philadelphia area chapter of Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA Philly) invites you to attend our upcoming live panel event, following the end of the WHYY Special, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: A Philadelphia Story. This live panel discussion will include folks who helped realize the show and featured in the series. Please register for this free, in-person event.
School District of Philadelphia AAPI Month events, resources, and panel discussions
Multiple events throughout May
The School District of Philadelphia is hosting various AAPI Month events and discussions for School District of Philadelphia teachers and non-District teachers. Learn more about the School District of Philadelphia’s events and resources here.
