May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a commemoration of the culture, traditions and history of Asian American and Pacific Islander people in the U.S. It’s also an opportune time to pause with your children to better understand the bias, discrimination and increased violence directed at Asian and Asian American people, and to take action in support of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.  

As with other similarly themed months, it is important that we do not isolate exploration of AAPI history and culture into one month during the year, but that we use this moment as a starting point for much deeper understanding, empathy building, and learning adventures. 

According to a just released Pew Research Report, the Asian American community in the U.S. is diverse. A record 23 million Asian American people trace their roots to more than twenty countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, each with unique histories, cultures, languages and other characteristics. Currently, Asian American people comprise about 7% of the U.S. population. 85% of those Asian American people have origins in six countries: China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.  

A little history on APAH Month: 

Since 1979, May has been a dedicated time to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage, but it wasn't until 1992 that May was officially designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Why the month of May? It commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869 that was made possible by thousands of Chinese laborers. APAH Month elevates the stories, contributions, and experiences of the Asian and Asian American communities.  

Take Action! 

This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, join us in celebrating the vibrant and diverse traditions and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, in expanding knowledge, and in interrupting harmful narratives that have been spurred on by the coronavirus outbreak. Tune in for an educational program, try a new food, expand your bookshelf, and dig into history to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage throughout the month of May and beyond. 

1. DISCUSS: While initially designed for educators, this robust resource from Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) provides all the tools you need to dig into an important conversation with your kids about the intersections of racism and the coronavirus. Since the virus began to spread, people who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) have been subjected to racist comments and jokes online and in person, and to isolating behavior from those who are afraid of catching the virus. Talk with your kids about ways to interrupt this harmful discourse, and any anti-AAPI and xenophobic narratives.  

2. EXPLORE:  We love this amazing series developed by the Asia Society of Texas that offers At-Home Adventures through Asia — lesson plans highlighting a different country through five simple, at-home activities. Check out this amazing set of adventures through Asia, developed perfect for all learners who want to explore countries in Asia with five, simple at home activities. 

3. LISTEN. Expand your music selection with this great collection of Asian and Asian American artists! Production Technician Liz Nguyen has curated this three-hour Spotify playlist for a fun weekend listen, or for popping on during your next family car ride. 

4. WATCH. Take in the new documentary Unintended Memoir, about Amy Tan, the genius and trailblazing author behind “The Joy Luck Club” which remains one of the New York Times’ longest No. 1 best-sellers. This film tells her life story through home-movie footage, photographs, simple animation, gently confessional segments with the author and excerpts from a recent public speaking engagement. 

5. LEARN. Check out this lesson plan from ADL (designed for young adults): Voices of Japanese Internees. Using video histories of Japanese-American internees during World War II, this curriculum unit provides an opportunity for older students to use this dark period in U.S. history to reflect on the dangers of stereotyping, prejudice and racial and ethnic discrimination, so as not to repeat history.  

Looking for even more great ways to celebrate and learn? Download this terrific calendar with 31 ways to celebrate APHA month, developed by the Asia Society of Texas.  Thanks to all who contributed great ideas to this roundup!  If you’d like more adventures like these, check out the full Adventures in Kindness book for more! Use code KINDSUMMER22 for free shipping and receive a free gift with your purchase!