(Washington, DC) - Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Since immigration starting in the late 19th century, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have woven themselves into the fabric of America. Even in the face of discrimination and barriers, APIAs have persevered and even prospered in various fields. In 1978, Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May. Congress later voted to expand it from a week long to a month long celebration.
Here are the upcoming events:
Mayor’s APIA Heritage Month Celebration
When: Monday, May 4th, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro – Red and Green/Yellow Line)
Cost: Free and open to the public
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mable Kong at (202) 727-3120 or at mable.kong@dc.gov.
The celebration will highlight the APIA community’s diversity and recognize the contributions of APIAs to the District. The Mayor will present his Community Service Awards to members of the community and government who have provided outstanding service to the District’s APIA community.
Legal Information Fair
When: Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Historical Society of Washington, DC
701 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
(Mt. Vernon/ 7th Street Convention Center Metro - Green/Yellow Line)
The Legal Resource Fair will address your legal issues around discrimination, language access, employment,
and many other areas.
Presented by: DC Office on Human Rights and OAPIA
Film Screening: American Aloha
When: Friday, May 15, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Where: Historical Society of Washington, DC
701 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
(Mt. Vernon/ 7th Street Convention Center Metro - Green/Yellow Line)
This documentary explores a renaissance of Hawaiian music, language and dance as it continues to grow in California. The film follows three master hula teachers and celebrates the perpetuation of culture, from the traditional to the contemporary.
Presented by: DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival and OAPIA
APIA History Poster Boards
When: Beginning May 4th, 2009
Where: DC Public Libraries
Sponsored by: DC Public Libraries and OAPIA
Posters of notable Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA) will be displayed at various DC public libraries. Please ask your local DC public library for participation.
Presented by: DC Public Libraries and OAPIA
APIA Heritage Month Flyer*
APIA Heritage Month Celebration Press Release*