Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) both have a rich heritage thousands of years old that have shaped the history of the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a period for the duration of the month of May for recognizing the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
The first Asians documented in the Americas arrived in 1587 when Filipinos landed in California; from 1898 to 1946, the Philippines was an American possession. The next group of Asians documented in what would be the United States were Indians in Jamestown, documented as early as 1635. In 1778, the first Chinese to reach what would be the United States arrived in Hawaii. In 1788, the first Native Hawaiian arrived on the continental United States, in Oregon; in 1900, Hawaii was annexed by the United States. The next group of Asians documented in what would be the United States were Japanese, who arrived in Hawaii in 1806. In 1884, the first Koreans arrived in the United States. In 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States; beginning in the 1900s, Chamorros began to migrate to California and Hawaii. In 1904, what is now American Samoa was ceded to the United States; beginning in the 1920s, Samoans began to migrate to Hawaii and the continental United States, with the first Samoans documented in Hawaii in 1920. In 1912, the first Vietnamese was documented in the United States.
We invite you to check out and share the local Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month events listings for availability.
May 2021
Visit Orlando: AAPI History & Culture in Orlando
To recognize and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Visit Orlando will highlight the contributions of the local Asian Pacific American community to Orlando’s diverse food scene by partnering with local food blogger Ricky Ly to develop a content series that will be promoted across Visit Orlando’s social channels and blog. Starting the second week of May, the series will run throughout the month.
May – All Month Long
Get Asian Take Out / Dine In Orlando
Presented by NAAAP, Tasty Chomps, GOAABA, AACC, WUCF and more
In celebration of Asia Pacific American Heritage Month and while observing the social distancing guidelines to inspire the local community to “Get Asian Take Out” all May long month.
“Share where ya went, what you ate & tag #getasiantakeout. Tell us where your favorite places are and your go-to menu items. Support ANY Asian cuisine restaurant, food truck, grocery store: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laos, Malaysian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and more!”
May 1-15
Orlando AAPI #FeedingPositivity Campaign
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Asian-owned local businesses have teamed up to reach a goal of $10,000 to donate to Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). Join the movement and help us raise awareness, amplify our voices, StopAsianHate, and give back by #feedingpositivity within our community.
May 4-31
A World of Voices — Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Disney Springs
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and we’re honoring the talents, cultures and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community with unique and special offerings at Walt Disney World and Disney Springs!
May 11, Tuesday at 7 PM
FusionFest MYgration Films Watch Party
Screening: “Puxiao Cen” – Story of Puxiao Cen, MD by filmmaker Thuyvi Gates
“Aloha Orlando” – Story of Teurehei Buchin by filmmaker LaMont Chaney II
Virtual via Facebook Live
May 11-27
OCLS Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Orange County Library System will host a variety of programs and events to share stories and celebrate the history. culture and achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
May 20, Thursday at 4 PM
City of Tampa AAAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month with City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor at the City of Tampa Courtyard.
Please RSVP by noon on Tuesday, May 18th at tampa.gov/aapi-invite
May 20, Thursday at 6:30 PM
GOAABA Bonsai Craft Night
Join Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) for Bonsai Craft Night on May 20! This event is open to the community! GOAABA members will receive a complimentary bonsai kit. Community members may purchase their kit for $25 per kit. Please reserve your kit by emailing GOAABA at [email protected] !
May 21, Friday at 7 PM
Orange County’s 9th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
Presented by Orange County Asian Committee and Orange TV
https://www.facebook.com/ocacfl
Watch the program via Orange TV, Orange County Government Facebook and Orange County Asian Committee Facebook.
May 22, Saturday at 11 AM
Asian Cultural Festival Virtual Celebration 2021
Organized by Asian American Heritage Council
Via zoom at http://www.aahc-cf.org/
Sponsorship opportunity available http://www.aahc-cf.org/sponsorship.html – the sponsorship will benefit the Annual Asian American Student Achievers Scholastic Awards in November 2021.
May 23, Sunday at 1 PM
Diversitastic! Dining: Polynesia
FusionFest next Diversitastic! Dining destination is Hawaii. Join us for an amazing Polynesian feast with Sweet and Salty Island Grindz.
Join FusionFest for live music, traditional dance, and a tattoo artist to explain the importance of Tattoos in our ancient and modern society.
May 25, Tuesday at 7:15 PM
AAPI HERITAGE MONTH PODCAST with Sifu Mimi Chan
The Sifu Mimi Chan show will be LIVE ON FACEBOOK with a special panel of Women to honor AAPI Heritage Month!
May 26, Wednesday at 11:45 AM
Fireside Chat with Loung Ung
Join Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA) on May 26, 2021, at 11:45 a.m. for the Fireside Chat with author Loung Ung! This virtual event is open to GOAABA members and the community.
