This May, restaurants, organizations and artists across the Greater Cincinnati area are celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM).
From May 1-31, the Asian American Cultural Association of Cincinnati (AACAC) — the team behind Asian Food Fest, Asian Food Week and the Daspo Lunar New Year Party — and its partners have planned a wide range of activities to celebrate Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans, their culture and their achievements.
“Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is widely celebrated in cities with large Asian communities, like L.A. and New York. But we want to show Cincinnati that we have a proud and thriving Asian community here, too," says Caitlin Behle, board member for AACAC and APAHM committee chair, in a release. "We have legacies that have shaped this city and will continue to shape Cincinnati’s future. In the face of an unfathomable rise in violence and discrimination against Asians, we need to shine a greater light on Asian voices, Asian history and Asian joy.”
Sponsored by P&G and the Haile Foundation, and with participation from the Cincinnati Public Library, the Cincinnati Museum Center, Urban Consulate and the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange Association (GCCCEA), there will be fun and educational events spread across May for both adults and families to enjoy.
Here are some highlights, as provided by AACAC:
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Kickoff Party, May 1 — A launch party on March 1st at Five Points Alley in Walnut Hills. Produced by AACAC, Cincy Nice, and AfroChine. Food by Keoloha’s Kitchen, music by the Andrew Lin Quartet, and more.
- 2nd annual Asian Food Week, May 3-9 — a weeklong campaign to highlight Cincinnati Asian restaurants. Order from or visit 50 restaurants across the Tri-State area. Customers can order a three-course prix fixe meal for $20 or $30 or a “secret menu” item not typically offered on the menu. Visit asianati.com/afw to view the full list of participating restaurants.
- Black and Asian Solidarity, May 10 — A virtual salon conversation about transracial identity, solidarity & healing with Urban Consulate.
- Cooking & Conversation: The Truth Behind MSG, May 19 — Breaking down stereotypes about MSG with Grace Yek and the Cincinnati Museum Center.
- Virtual Performance: Kamishibai (Paper Theater), May 19 — Virtual program to enjoy a vibrant form of storytelling popular in Japan presented by the Japan America Society and the Cincinnati Public Library.
- Virtual Seminar: Home Design Fusion | Asian Influence on Interior Design, May 20 and May 22 — Interactive home design workshop focusing on Asia’s influence on interior design, diving into design elements from the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East.
- (Not) Knowing Asia: Why Stereotypes Emerge and Persist, May 21 — Join Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library for a critical conversation to learn how you can help eliminate stereotypes and contribute to the sense of belonging of Asian Americans in our communities. Presented by Professor Gergana Ivanova, interim director, Asian Studies, University of Cincinnati.
- APAHM Closing Celebration, May 30 — Close out APAHM at Five Points Alley with music by Daybreaker Trio. Food by Mahope and Rollin' Bowls food trucks.
In addition to these events, the GCCCEA and P&G will be donating 1,000 books and documentaries on AAPI history and culture to local libraries and schools. The Cincinnati Public Library and Cincinnati Museum Center will also be hosting virtual storytimes in May featuring work by Asian American authors.
Saigon Market in Findlay Market, one of the oldest Asian markets in the area, will be getting a new mural by Anissa Pulcheon.
For a full list of events and more about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, visit asianati.com/apahm.
