Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Jennie L. Ilustre
The community is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, in the capital and across the nation, in a variety of events that recognize achievements, raise public awareness on issues, as well as entertain.
Starting on May 9, the 1882 Foundation will hold a three-day Symposium on the 150th Anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad. Venue is the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in D.C. And on May 11, the National Postal Museum will display interactive carts “about the hidden voices and stories of Chinese American Railroad workers and their contributions in the building of our nation.”
On May 22, “Crazy Rich Asians” author Kevin Kwan will talk about his works that aim to introduce contemporary Asian culture to an American audience. The Singaporean American is known for his bestselling novels. “Crazy Rich Asians,” with an all-Asian cast, author, and director, turned into box-office gold in the theaters. “China Rich Girlfriend” is currently in development in Hollywood. It is expected to hit the theaters in 2020. “Rich People Problems” completes the trilogy.
Venue for the talk is the Library of Congress in the nation’s capital. Tickets are free, but required. You can get Tickets on Eventbrite. The event will also be Livestreamed on Facebook and on YouTube.
Another important anniversary is the 25th Annual Awards Gala of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). Senator Tammy Duckworth is the keynote speaker.
The leaders of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) said it best: “It’s been a crazy, rich year for Asians in North America. While the first film to feature a majority Asian and Asian American cast in a quarter of a century stole the show with its record-breaking performance at the box office, this past year saw AAPI achievement extend far beyond the silver screen.”
NAAAP enumerated some of these extraordinary feats. For the second time in a row, Americans elected a record number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to Congress. Chloe Kim became the youngest woman to take home an Olympic snowboarding medal claiming the gold in PyeongChang. And Priyanka Chopra became the first Indian woman to grace the cover of U.S. Vogue magazine.
National Recognition
Likewise, government institutions recognized the achievements and contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islanders ancestry through the years: “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.”
In his Presidential Proclamation, President Trump noted: “The contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent are firmly woven into the diverse fabric of our Nation. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage that have enriched our great country and helped define our history. These Americans bolster our economy as entrepreneurs, business owners, and employees who initiate and expand opportunities for their families, communities, and country. Their languages, art, cuisine, and other cultural elements have enriched the American experience, and many have fearlessly answered the call of duty to defend our freedom as members of our Armed Forces.”
He added: “This month, we honor the more than 20 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who call America home, and we express our sincere gratitude to all those who are selflessly serving in the Armed Forces. We recognize the achievements of Americans of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage in education, business, science, the arts, government, and the Armed Forces, which have strengthened our Nation. We celebrate their story as a unique part of the American story.”
In a statement, Speaker Nancy Pelosi remarked: “During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich culture and beautiful diversity that the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has brought to our country.”
She added: “Generations of AAPI men and women endured unspeakable hardships and discrimination, and overcame repeated injustices and indignities. Yet, through it all, they continue to defend and shape our nation with dignity and pride, advancing a freer, more just and equal future for themselves, their children and all Americans. In San Francisco, we are particularly blessed by the vibrant and growing AAPI community that has enriched our city and proven what we have always known, that the beauty is in the mix.”
“This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we express our enduring gratitude for the AAPI community’s innumerable and lasting contributions to our nation,” Pelosi stressed. “To honor them and our promise to advance progress for all Americans, we must rededicate ourselves to protecting our heritage as a nation of immigrants and ensure that all people have the opportunity to pursue their American Dream.”
Below are other major events that demonstrate the community’s dedication to excellence and sustained contributions to the nation’s progress.
MAY 6, MONDAY
7PM-8:30PM
The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA):
Mayor’s 2019 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
MAY 7, TUESDAY
5:30PM-7:30PM
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF):
Health Rising: A Night of Storytelling
To Sign Up: Visit https://p2a.co/WYWCAWq
Where: To Be Announced (TBA)
MAY 8, WEDNESDAY
5:30PM-7:30PM
APIAHF: Health Equity Awards Reception
For Tickets: Visit https://impact.apiahf.org/
To Donate: https://impact.apiahf.org/
Where: The Atrium at the Top of the Hill Banquet & Conference Center at the Reserve Officers Association
1 Constitution Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
MAY 8, WEDNESDAY
Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
“Join archivists, historia ns, and the public for a Wikipedia edit-a-thon where we will edit and improve Wikipedia content related to Asian Pacific American heritage using source material from the National Archives.”
Where: National Archives
MAY 9, THURSDAY
6PM-8:30PM
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Fireside Chat and Reception
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Join the Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC and Google fireside chat and reception celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in a conversation with: Invited Members of Congress; John C. Yang, President & Executive Director, Asian Americans Advancing Justice –AAJC; Chanelle Hardy, Head of US Civil and Human Rights Partnership and Strategic Counsel, Google. A reception will follow the formal program.
Where: Google DC, 25 Massachusetts Ave NW, 9th Floor, WDC 20001
MAY 9, THURSDAY
1PM-5PM
The 1882 Foundation: Symposium Events on the 150th Anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad Smithsonian Panels, Day 1
To RSVP: Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Agenda: Visit https://1882foundation.org/
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1st Floor, SC Johnson; 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
MAY 9, THURSDAY
6:40 PM (PST) Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)
CAAMFest 37 Opening Night (California)
Chinatown Rising Screening + Gala
Castro Theater in San Francisco, CA
Gala at the Asian Art Museum
For Details: Visit https://caamedia.org/blog/
MAY 9, THURSDAY
Playing and Talking about Baseball across the Pacific
A panel of experts will discuss how American baseball has influenced and been influenced by Japanese culture since the 19th century. Participants include authors Robert K. Fitts and Bill Staples, Jr. as well as Professors William W. Kelly (Yale University) and Chandra M. Manning (Georgetown University).
Where: National Archives
MAY 9, THURSDAY; Detroit
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Detroit, along with the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs, Commission and APIA Vote, will host a Field Day on Capitol Hill for members to meet State Legislators and hear from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Contact:Tchen@naaapdetroit.org
MAY 10, FRIDAY
10AM-5:30PM
The 1882 Foundation: Symposium Events on the 150th Anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad Smithsonian Panels, Day 2
To RSVP: Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Agenda: Visit https://1882foundation.org/
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of American History 1st Floor, SC Johnson; 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
MAY 11, SATURDAY
10AM-4PM
The 1882 Foundation: Symposium Events on 150th Anniv. of Transcontinental Railroad Smithsonian Panels Day 3
To RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of American History 1st Floor, SC Johnson; 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
MAY 11, SATURDAY
Train Day: The Golden Spike Anniversary Family Festival
“On the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad, we are celebrating the new Golden Spike stamp and history with curator tours and more. Learn from our interactive carts about the hidden voices and stories of Chinese American Railroad workers and their contributions in the building of our nation.”
Where: National Postal Museum
MAY 12, SUNDAY
6:45 PM (PST) CAAMFest 37 Centerpiece Documentary: “When We Walk,” AMC Kabuki 8 (California)
For details: https://caamedia.org/blog/
MAY 13, MONDAY
12PM-5PM AAPI Progressive Action: AAPI Progressive Summit
Registration: https://secure.actblue.com/
Agenda: https://secure.actblue.com/
Where: AFL-CIO, 815 16th St NW, Washington, DC
MAY 14, TUESDAY
*5:30PM-7PM Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) 25th Annual Awards Reception
*7PM-10PM: APAICS 25th Annual Awards Gala Dinner
Keynote Speaker: Senator Tammy Duckworth
Where: Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
RSVP: https://apaics.org/tickets/
MAY 14, TUESDAY
9PM-3PM Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): 2019 National AAPI Business Summit
U.S. Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency
Registration: www.mbda.gov/AAPIBizSummit
Where: 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230
MAY 14, 20, 24, 30; Milwaukee
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Milwaukee Chapter will be hosting professional development activities on May 14 and May 20. On May 24 they will be hosting their Manpower Asian Heritage Month event and their Refinitiv (Thomson Reuters) Asian Heritage Month event on May 30. Contact: gdhaks@gmail.com
MAY 15, WEDNESDAY
*8AM-6PM APAICS: Legislative Summit Day 1
Registration: https://apaics.org/events/
*5:30PM-7:30PM AAPI Progressive Action: AAPI Progressive Summit Reception
Where: Nelson Mullins, 101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Registration: https://secure.actblue.com/
*5:30PM-9PM Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR): Awards
*Dinner
Where: Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Registration: TBA
*4PM-6PM Comcast: APAHM Reception (invite only)
Details TBA
MAY 16, THURSDAY
8AM-5PM APAICS: Legislative Summit Day 2
Registration: https://apaics.org/events/
*Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC): APAHM 2019 Congressional Ceremony; Details TBA
MAY 16, THURSDAY
*9:00 PM (PST) CAAM CAAMFest 37 Centerpiece Narrative: Yellow Rose Screening (California); Piedmont Theatre
Details: https://caamedia.org/blog/
MAY 18, SATURDAY
12:10 PM (PST) CAAMFest 37 Centerpiece Documentary: When We Walk
Details: https://caamedia.org/blog/
Where: Roxie Theatre in San Francisco, CA
MAY 19, SUNDAY; San Francisco, CA
7:20 PM (PST) CAAMFest 37 Closing Night: Geographies of Kinship
Where: Roxie Theatre in San Francisco, CA
Details: https://caamedia.org/blog/
MAY 19, SUNDAY; Minnesota
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Minnesota is hosting a Food Crawl all day in Minneapolis, featuring Sushi Tango, Sencha and Hoban. All attendees sample new foods and network for nine hours.
Additionally, MN is creating short films of each restaurant owner to share their AAPI story and what their culture means to them.
Contact: William.cheng@naaap.org
MAY 20, MONDAY
*9AM-5:30PM National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA): Lobby, Day 1
To Register: Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/
For Schedule: https://www.napaba.org/page/
*6PM-8PM NAPABA: Heritage Month Congressional Reception
To Register: Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/
For Schedule: Visit https://www.napaba.org/page/
MAY 20, MONDAY
*9AM-5:30PM National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA): Lobby Day 1
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Schedule: https://www.napaba.org/page/
*6PM-8PM NAPABA: Heritage Month Congressional Reception
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Schedule: https://www.napaba.org/page/
MAY 21, TUESDAY
*9AM-5:30PM NAPABA: Lobby Day 2
Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Schedule: https://www.napaba.org/page/
*5:30PM-8:00PM National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) & National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): Panel Event
Details TBA
MAY 22, WEDNESDAY
*8AM-7PM APAICS: Military Leadership Luncheon
Mandarin Oriental, 1330 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 2002
Registration: http://bit.ly/
*6PM-8PM National CAPACD: APAHM Community in the Capital Reception; Details TBA
MAY 22, WEDNESDAY
“Crazy Rich Asians” Author Kevin Kwan
Singaporean American novelist Kevin Kwan, known for his satirical novels “Crazy Rich Asians,” “China Rich Girlfriend” and “Rich People Problems,” will present an exclusive conversation on his work that seeks to introduce contemporary Asian culture to an American audience.
Livestreaming on Facebook and on YouTube (with captions)
Tickets are free, but required. Get Tickets on Eventbrite
Where: Library of Congress
MAY 22, WEDNESDAY; New York
On May 22, NAAAP NY will be hosting Sweet & Savory Sounds at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), in partnership with Macy’s and AXA! Some 175 people are expected for music, art, and networking.
MAY 29, WEDNESDAY
6PM-8:00 PM National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA): LGBTQ API Corporate Leadership Summit
Details: bit.ly/corporate-panel
To RSVP: visit www.nqapia.org or email info@nqapia.org to RSVP
Where: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC
