Hello! Aloha! Kumusta! Xin chào!
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Originally established as a weeklong observance in 1978 and expanded to a month in 1992, this annual celebration is a valuable opportunity to honor the contributions of AANHPI individuals in American history and culture.
With this year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” the celebration focuses on the enduring legacy of AANHPI leaders throughout the generations. At the same time, the monthlong observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of visibility — of being seen, acknowledged, and included in the narratives that shape our collective identity as a society.
For much of American history, many AANHPI communities have been rendered invisible — their needs overlooked, their contributions underestimated and their presence undercounted. A 2021 report found that Asian American histories are often missing from K–12 school curricula, leading to a lack of representation and understanding of AANHPI contributions in classrooms. Another recent study found that certain Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander populations were among the most likely to be undercounted in Census data, which affects both funding and political representation.
Studies have noted that this invisibility exists, in part, because the AANHPI community is often treated as one group when it’s actually made up of many. Encompassing more than 20 countries of origin, approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups and over 100 languages, the AANHPI experience is by no means monolithic in nature. Each community carries its own distinct history, traditions, and cultural identity, along with its own heroes and pioneers. Trailblazers like Susan Ahn Cuddy, the first Korean American woman to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II; U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran and the first Thai American elected to the Senate; and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the first Filipina American to lead California’s highest court and a longtime advocate for equity in our justice system. Their lives are a testament to the enduring strength of the many AANHPI communities — and to the ways each of them helped build and define America.
Our children thrive when they see their heritage and culture reflected and celebrated around them. Access to culturally affirming early learning supports — connecting children’s learning to their languages and cultures — helps them develop language skills, builds confidence and fosters positive attitudes toward diversity.
We invite you and your family to check out the many activities and events taking place in honor of AANHPI Month. We’ve compiled a list of related activities and events in the Los Angeles area, including educational resources for young children and their families. Check them out below.
So long! Annyeong! Tạm biệt! Tofa soifua!
###
- Los Angeles County Library: ZenDOODLE! – May 06, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
- Huntington Library: Music in the Chinese Garden – May 7, 14 & 21, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Echos of Polynesia – May 07 12:00pm – 12:45pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Paint in Polka Dots – May 07, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: History of Fans – May 07, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Koi Fish Kite – May 07, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Toddler Paint: Holi Festival Handprints – May 08, 11:00am – 11:30am
- Los Angeles County Library: Sharing Folktales with Shadow Puppets – May 08, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Suminagashi with Stacy Wong – May 08, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Author Oliver Chin – May 10, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: AANHPI Heritage Month: Cello Movement & Music – May 10, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
- Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival: Family Film Showcase – May 10, 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Los Angeles Public Library: Koinobori Craft – May 13, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- LBX Little Aviators Kids Club: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month – May 13, 10:30am – 11:30am
- Los Angeles County Library: Cherry Blossom Tree Art – May 14, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- Los Angeles Public Library: AAPI Storytime & Craft – May 15, 4;00pm
- Los Angeles Public Library: AAPI Storytime and Craft – May 15, 4;00pm
- Glendale Public Library: AAPI Heritage Month Storytime – May 15, 10:30am – 11:30am
- AAPI Heritage Month Celebration x Third Street Promenade – May 17, 10:00 – 5:00pm
- AAPI LA MARKET – May 18, 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Los Angeles County Library: Book Adventures: Punky Aloha – May 27, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
