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May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. According to AsianPacificHeritage.Org, “The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”
Despite being the fastest-growing demographic in the United States with 6.8 percent of the population identifying as Asian American or Pacific Islander, the experiences of this group have long been overlooked and misinterpreted. Decades of research show that representation matters: When children see themselves reflected in books, movies, and other media, it empowers them to imagine more possibilities for their future. Learning about other cultures also nurtures empathy and a broader view of the world.
To celebrate this month, we would like to offer some resources to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and culture.
Videos on Demand
PBS.ORG offers many videos on demand. From documentaries that cover identity and culture to highlighting the accomplishments of Asian/Pacific Americans.
Virtual Museum Exhibits
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian American and Pacific American Experience in Seattle is offering virtual tours of their exhibits. “Our Virtual Tours offer a unique online experience and a live inside look at the historic and culturally rich Chinatown-International District whether you are a first time visitor or a long time local resident.”
Children’s Books
Parents.com has gathered together 15 Asian American Books for Kids that are perfect to read together as a family. They include Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho and My Tree written by Hope Lim, illustrated by Il Sung Na.
Photo Exhibit
Explore A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific America with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s photo exhibit. “On May 10, 2014, over 500 people joined the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center for A Day in the Life of Asian Pacific America by capturing over 2,000 photos and videos throughout the course of a single day. Works were submitted from everywhere – throughout the United States and from around the world.”
In the Kitchen
Discover new cuisine by cooking a delicious meal from ParentMap.Com. They have put together 10 Asian and Pacific Islander recipes that can expose your children to new flavors and family favorites!
Support the Arts
Donate to support AAPI artists through the Asian American Arts Alliance. A4 is cultivating a space to lift up and connect AAPI artists as they stand up for Asian American stories and reaffirm the importance of the arts.
Drama Kids International stands with and supports the AAPI community. To learn more about how Drama Kids classes help to teach empathy and compassion to children of all ages, check out our program overview.
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. According to AsianPacificHeritage.Org, “The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”
Despite being the fastest-growing demographic in the United States with 6.8 percent of the population identifying as Asian American or Pacific Islander, the experiences of this group have long been overlooked and misinterpreted. Decades of research show that representation matters: When children see themselves reflected in books, movies, and other media, it empowers them to imagine more possibilities for their future. Learning about other cultures also nurtures empathy and a broader view of the world.
To celebrate this month, we would like to offer some resources to learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and culture.