For the past two years, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has proven that joy in the face of adversity is an act of courage. This month, it’s important to celebrate their stories to combat discrimination and prejudice. The shared experiences of the AAPI community are vital to the fabric of our society and country. Their voices are vast and stem from ancestries and cultures that span generations. 22 million Asian Americans can trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and India each with unique histories, cultures, and languages.
To celebrate we asked our Guidance Center staff to share what AAPI heritage means to you and how the contributions of the AAPI community have been meaningful in your own life. Read their responses below.
Our staff also participated in a community dialogue, hosted by our Justice, Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee, about the AAPI experience, including this video, Asian Americans Read Secrets About the AAPI Experience, which prompted thoughtful and meaningful conversations.
During AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to learn from and listen to the shared stories of your AAPI colleagues or neighbors and to join us as we commit to creating a better, more equal world where every story is heard.
Resources/Articles/More:
- Los Angeles Public Library: Big Read | Los Angeles Public Library
- History: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month
- PBS: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- Discover Los Angeles: Things To Do In LA To Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
- 9 Artists Explore the Pride and Joys of Being Asian American and Pacific Islander
- AAPI Stories- Yes! Magazine: https://www.yesmagazine.org/tag/aapi
*Thank you to SoCalATA’s Multicultural Committee for compiling these resources
Resources to stand against Asian hate: