Asian American. Native Hawaiian. Pacific Islander.
Three collective identities that encompass a constellation of languages, cultures and traditions. Different histories, different experiences. Yet bound together by a vision for a better future.
This May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Now in its 37th year, the celebration offers a chance to honor the histories, cultures and contributions of the more than 70 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the U.S. At the same time, the occasion provides an opportunity to see how AANHPI communities — with different histories, different experiences — are growing together.
The commemoration itself is a study in growth. First established as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1979, it was later expanded into a full month in 1990, but only for that year. It wasn’t until 1992 that May was permanently designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
Then, in 2009, President Barack Obama’s proclamation changed the designation to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month — a deliberate effort to recognize the distinctiveness of those often-intermingled communities. And in 2021, President Joe Biden expanded it further by renaming it Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to make the inclusion of Native Hawaiians visible in the title itself rather than folded into “Pacific Islander.”
The ongoing evolution of the month’s name speaks to this year’s AANHPI theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, which focuses on the importance of leveraging the collective power of communities. And communities are strongest when all are recognized and supported, so that everyone can work together to build a shared bridge toward a better future.
Los Angeles offers numerous instances of communities uplifting and supporting one another. One such example was the development in 1997 of the Pacific Islander Education and Retention, or PIER, a student-run program created to address the lack of access to higher education for Pacific Islander youth in Los Angeles. The project arose out of a class at UCLA’s Asian American Studies Center, eventually receiving financial support in 1997 from a coalition of African, Native American, Latino, Vietnamese and Filipino student organizations. Due to these collective efforts, PIER continues to serve today as a vital connector to higher education for Pacific Islander students throughout Los Angeles.
“There is no singular Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander identity,” President Joe Biden once said. “And diversity in those cultures, the breadth of achievement has shaped the strength and fabric of this country. But it’s not all the same.
“The fastest-growing demographic in the United States, you represent how we are, as a nation of immigrants, a nation of dreamers, a nation of freedom. And that’s the America we share.”
When young children see their heritage reflected and celebrated in the world around them, it builds confidence, strengthens their sense of identity and inspires them to build their own bridges. That’s why First 5 LA is proud to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with all of Los Angeles.
We invite you to check out some of the kid-friendly events and activities taking place across Los Angeles County:
- Kibō Nobori Art Installation (May 1–12, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Little Tokyo) Three site-specific textile installations across the JACCC campus exploring themes of hope and community through contemporary art. Free and open daily.
- AAPI Joy Festival (May 16, 11 am-4 pm, Central Library, Downtown Los Angeles). Featuring lion dance performances, lei-making and origami workshops, author readings, a hula dancing class, Korean fabric crafts and a dance party.
- Heritage of Aloha Festival (May 16–17, Heritage Park, Santa Fe Springs). A two-day celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with island cuisine, cultural workshops, a ukulele contest, makahiki games and continuous music and dance. Free admission and parking.
- USC Pacific Asia Museum (Throughout May, Pasadena). Family art-making programs and interactive exhibits exploring Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Free
- Hula Fun Fest (May 23, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Santa Monica Main Library). A family event featuring Hawaiian dance performances and hands-on craft activities.
- LA County Library AANHPI Programming (Throughout May, various branches). An assortment of story times, craft workshops, cultural performances and book talks at branches across Los Angeles County. Please check the library’s events page.
