Living with partners from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, I have been immersed in cultural practices that ranged from cooking traditional dishes to participating in community festivals.

New York, N.Y. Living in a diverse community, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month has always held a special place in my heart. Every May, it feels like the world pauses to acknowledge and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that Asian Pacific Americans contribute to our society.

This month is not just about reflecting on the past; it’s about recognizing the present and inspiring the future. It’s a time when our friends and family honor their roots, embrace their identity, and share their stories.

My journey begins with my blended family, a blend of traditions and modernity. Living with partners from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, I have been immersed in cultural practices that ranged from cooking traditional dishes to participating in community festivals. These experiences were my first lessons in understanding the importance of heritage and identity.

This year, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month feels particularly poignant. In light of recent events and the growing awareness of the contributions and challenges faced by Asian Pacific Americans, there is a renewed sense of unity and purpose. The celebrations in my community have taken on a deeper significance, serving as both a reminder of our history and a beacon of hope for the future.

One of the highlights of the month is the annual heritage festival, a vibrant event that showcases the diversity of Asian Pacific cultures. From traditional dances and music performances to food stalls offering a taste of home, the festival is a sensory feast. This year, I volunteered to help organize the event, hoping to give back to the community that has given me so much. Working alongside others who share a common goal of promoting and preserving our heritage has been incredibly rewarding.

The festival day arrives with the smell of incense and the sound of drums filling the air. The stage is set for performances ranging from the graceful movements of Filipino tinikling dancers to the powerful beats of Japanese taiko drummers. Each performance is a testament to the rich cultural heritage that we celebrate this month. I find myself lost in the rhythms and colors, each moment a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our collective heritage.

But the festival is more than just entertainment; it’s an educational experience. Workshops on traditional crafts, language classes, and historical exhibits offer a deeper understanding of the various cultures within the Asian Pacific American community. I attend a calligraphy workshop, where an elderly Chinese artist patiently teaches us the art of brush strokes. As I struggle to replicate his elegant characters, I realize that this practice is not just about writing; it’s about connecting with a centuries-old tradition.

Another significant aspect of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is the recognition of contributions made by individuals in our community. From scientists and artists to activists and entrepreneurs, the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans are vast and varied. This month, our local library hosted a series of talks featuring notable figures who shared their journeys and insights. Listening to their stories, I felt a deep sense of pride and motivation. Their successes remind us that while our heritage is rooted in the past, our contributions shape the future.

Social media also plays a crucial role in the celebration. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are flooded with posts celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Hashtags like #APAHM and #HeritageCelebration connect people across the country, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. I join in, sharing photos from the festival, stories of my grandparents, and reflections on what this month means to me. Each post is a small but meaningful contribution to the larger narrative of our heritage.

As the month draws to a close, I reflect on the celebrations, the stories shared, and the lessons learned. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time of celebration, but it is also a call to action. It reminds us to honor roots, embrace identity, and continue to fight for recognition and equality. It is a celebration of diversity and a reaffirmation of the place of Asian Americans in the broader American tapestry.

In the end, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month from my perspective is about more than just honoring the heritage of my friends and family; it’s about celebrating the resilience, contributions, and vibrant cultures that make up the Asian American community. It’s a reminder that stories are powerful, voices are important, and heritage is something to be cherished and celebrated every day.

#APAHM, #HeritageCelebration, #DiversityMatters

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1, 2024)