Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed every May to honor the rich culture and traditions of the AAPI community. It’s also a time to celebrate AAPI culture through the exploration of art, music, food, and more. While the contributions, accomplishments, and culture of the community should be acknowledged and celebrated all everyday, this month provides a time to renew your focus on learning more about the AAPI community. With the rise in hate crimes towards Asian Americans in recent years, spending time learning about the community has never been more important. We’ve compiled a list of ways to help get you started celebrating this APPI Heritage Month.
Explore AAPI Heritage
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration at Farmington Community Library on May 6th
- Frame’s Asian American Market & Brunch on May 7th
- AAPI Celebration Show – Evolution: Sharing the Journey at the DIA on May 19th
- Asian Movie Night at Pontiac Public Library on May 19th
- Checkout Bravespace a collection from the Smithsonian’s Asian Pacific American Center
Learn AAPI History
- Visit the History Channel’s AAPI Archive
- Stream Asian Americans from PBS
- Read about the history of Hawaii
Buy From AAPI-Owned Business
- AAPI-Owned Businesses in Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit
- Asian American & Pacific Islander-Owned Businesses to Support Around Ann Arbor, Michigan
- 90+ AAPI-Owned Businesses to Support
AAPI Organizations to Support
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice
- National Council of Asian Pacific Americans
- Southeast Asia Resource Action Center
- Stop AAPI Hate
Other Ways to Support
- Research AAPI history and culture in your community.
- Article about Detroit’s Chiantowns
- Check out The Last Days of Chinatown documentary from the MSP library
- Asian Americans: The Detroit Story
- Article about Detroit’s Chiantowns
- Read AAPI literature.
- Support AAPI artists and musicians.
Most importantly keep learning and reflecting and remember that the challenges AAPI communities face are ongoing, not just history. Incorporate anti-racism and anti-colonialism into everyday action, not just during AAPI Heritage Month.
