Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Published on May 01, 2024
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the City of Lakewood joins the federal and state governments and hundreds of public and private organizations in paying tribute to this important commemoration.
There are more than 23 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. This diverse and growing population makes up about 7% of the total U.S. population and about 15% of the Lakewood population.
A key element of Lakewood’s Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is celebrating the diversity of cultures and people in Lakewood. On behalf of the Lakewood City Council, Vice Mayor Todd Rogers has issued a proclamation in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which can be viewed at www.lakewoodcity.org.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played vital roles in shaping the United States—from building the Transcontinental Railroad to advocating for labor law changes to fighting to defend our nation in multiple wars. They made these contributions while also facing persistent discrimination and violence throughout U.S. history. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans. They have long been perceived as outsiders, despite many Chinese being the first Asian immigrants arriving in the United States in significant numbers over 150 years ago in the mid-nineteenth century.
Resources to learn more
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) has a wealth of information about the Asian Pacific American community, art and history online.
Check the Los Angeles County Public Libraries website for excellent resources, including booklists for adults, teens and kids. The library’s Asian Pacific Resource Center Facebook page is also continuously updated with AAPI news, programs and useful resources for everyone to enjoy.
Both Lakewood libraries have events in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well.
Iacoboni Library events
Origami Workshop for Teens
May 2, 4-5 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of origami, the art of Japanese paper folding. For tweens and teens 12-18.
Koto Performance - Japanese Harp
May 22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Performance by Grammy Award winner Yukiko Matsuyama. This program is for adults.
Register for either event at: https://lacountylibrary.org/angelo-m-iacoboni-library/
Nye Library events
Hanging Scrolls Art
May 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Create a hanging scroll with paint, markers, stamp pads and more. Recommended for children ages 4-12 with parent or guardian present.
Taiko Drum: The Rhythm of Inspiration
May 15, 6-6:30 p.m.
This is an educational taiko program to inspire, educate and engage audiences with the rich cultural heritage of Japanese taiko drumming. Recommended for adults ages 18 and over.
Register for either event at: https://lacountylibrary.org/location/george-nye-jr-library/