Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

News Article

Celebrating AAPI Heritage month!

May is AAPI Heritage Month, a time for us to acknowledge the struggles and accomplishments of our AAPI communities. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, Mayor Wheeler read a proclamation declaring the official observation and celebration of this month during the May 4 City Council session. The proclamation included an opening speech by Subashini Ganesan, a creative artist, community leader, and past Creative Laureate of Portland, and performances by Teva Oriata (Tahitian dance troupe) and Rose City Escrima (Filipino martial arts).

"How do we understand to keep moving into compassion and building bridges so that the plurality of our communities can be celebrated and made visible without feeling like we need to conform or drop our cultural uniqueness in order to belong as Americans," said Ganesan. "Together we can do this and I'm so grateful to be celebrating the beginning of this heritage month with all of you."

You can watch the full proclamation here.

On Saturday, May 14, Oregon Rises Above Hate is putting on an event to recognize the AAPI community and to combat the rise in anti-Asian hate in the U.S. The celebration will have events from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will take place at Flanders Festival Street in Old Town, between 3rd & 4th Avenue and Flanders & Glisan Street. The events will include community arts performances, speeches from community leaders and elected officials, free admittance to cultural spaces, and a vigil.

For more information, please visit OregonRisesAboveHate.com.

To learn more about how to support our immigrant and refugee communities, visit Civic Life's Immigrant and Refugee Program website!