Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Pictured above: Hydrangea has more than 70 species of flowering plants and are most commonly found in China, Korea, and Japan. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a celebration and recognition of Asians and Pacific Islanders for their contributions and influences on the United States. May was chosen as AAPI Heritage Month to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843. It also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid these tracks were Chinese immigrants.In Oregon, the Asian population grew by 48% from 2010 to 2020. We are proud to live in an area with a flourishing AAPI community.
Ways to stand in solidarity with the AAPI community this month:
Speak out if you witness a hate crime or incident. Report the incident at Stop AAPI Hate.
Read stories about AAPI heritage and find a list of organizations to support at AAPIsrising.org.
Learn about the current state of U.S. territories and AAPI communities – Watch Island Warriors https://www.pbs.org/video/america-numbers-island-warriors/
Check out these spots in the greater Portland area to celebrate this month:
Pictured above from JadeDistrict.org.
Pictured above from japanesegarden.org and lansugarden.org. Check their websites for operating hours and ticket information.
Continue your social justice educational journey by joining us for our upcoming workshops
Exploring Social Identity Development: Privilege, Oppression & Social Position
Thursday, May 11th, 2023, 4pm-7pm PST
Online via Zoom
Course Description: In this workshop, participants will be exposed to Social Identity Theory and Racial Identity Development Theory. We will define, name, and explore our social identities, how they are contextualized by privilege and oppression by way of power. This workshop will be a mix of lecture, large and small group discussion and individual reflection exercises
Register at the link below!
Name that Oppression
Wednesday, May 24th, 2023, 4pm-5pm PST
Online via Zoom
Course Description: An interactive workshop that explores how colonialism, capitalism, racism, and patriarchy operate in real world scenarios related to climate change/environmental disaster. Learn how to recognize and name that oppression.
Register at the link below!
AAPI Month events in the community
Kodomo no Hi, also called Children’s Day, is commemorated each year in Japan on May 5th to celebrate the growth and good fortune of children. Portland Japanese Garden will hold its celebration on May 7th. The festival will feature a range of family-friendly activities. Come listen to taiko performances, learn how to make origami koi, or frogs, participate in a treasure hunt, and enjoy displays of koinobori, or cloth carp streamers.Saturday, May 5th 10:30am-3:30pm Portland Japanese Gardens Learn more here.
Our Voices of Change, APANO's annual fundraiser, is a family friendly community event where we will celebrate our interconnectedness and shared strength. We come together to call on you, our community, to continue your support of our ongoing work to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Oregon.Friday, May 20th5pm-8pm15900 Southwest Regatta Lane #suite 105 Beaverton, OR 97006Learn more here.
The first annual event of its kind is taking place in the Pacific Northwest during Oregon Wine Month and AAPI Heritage Month where attendees can enjoy curated bites from AAPI-owned Portland restaurants and wineries. Featuring non-traditional food and wine pairings by an AAPI sommelier.Friday, May 20th through Saturday, May 21st Stoller Family Estate 16161 Northeast McDougall Road Dayton, OR 97114 Learn more here.