Santa Monica Public Library celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Santa Monica Public Library celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

April 29, 2024 1:44 PM
by Barbara Fleeman

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Santa Monica Public Library spotlights the AAPI community through displays, book lists, and two special events at the Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd.).

• Saturday, May 11, 2 p.m.:We Said No! No!: A Story of Civil Disobedience. Filmmaker Brian Tadashi Maeda screens his award-winning feature documentary about the Japanese Americans who refused to say "yes" to the infamous Loyalty Questionnaire, followed by a panel discussion with cast and crew. Film runtime: 77 min.
• Saturday, May 25, 2 p.m.: Anna May Wong and the Golden Age of Asian American Cinema. Authors Katie Gee Salisbury and Jeff Yang discuss Anna May Wong and other underappreciated Asian American pioneers of early Hollywood. Filmmaker and author Arthur Dong moderates the conversation. A book sale and signing follows the event.

In addition, the Library offers a wealth of opportunities to learn about the AAPI community. Explore the displays of books and DVDs for all ages, as well as curated lists of books on AAPI history and culture, and titles written by AAPI authors. Browse Staff Picks for adults, teens, middle graders and kids, and books written by AAPI authors and translated into Spanish.

About AAPI Heritage Month

As with all cultural awareness months, AAPI Heritage Month is a time to shine a light on the history and achievements of historically marginalized populations. What started in the late 1970s as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week has evolved into a monthlong event, inviting people of all backgrounds to learn about and explore other cultures.

Other AAPI Heritage Month events in Santa Monica

• Wednesday, May 1, through Monday, May 27:Moon & Stars: Los Angeles Asian Women in Art at the bG Gallery at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. The exhibition showcases the talents and narratives of rising contemporary Asian women artists from the Los Angeles area. Special events include an opening reception on Saturday, May 4, and AAPI Cultural Celebration Day on Saturday, May 18.
  
• Friday, May 3, 8 p.m.: What's that Emoji? A Night of Celebrating our Favorite AAPI Comics at The Crow at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with LA's best AAPI comedians as seen on HBO, Comedy Central, Netflix and Hulu. A night filled with comedy, music, drinks and giveaways that you can't miss!
• Saturday, May 4, 2:30 p.m.:Yoni ki Baat & MenOlogues at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., offers intimate narratives in English by South Asian artists, inspired by Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues."
• Saturday, May 4, 6-7 p.m.:AAPI Heritage Show at Santa Monica Trapeze School at the Santa Monica Pier. A free circus show celebrates their students and staff performers of AAPI heritage.
• Tuesday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.: The Santa Monica City Council will present a proclamation declaring the month of May as AAPI Heritage Month to Sung-Hee Son, curator of the Moon & Stars exhibit at bG Gallery this month. Watch in person at City Hall or view the livestream on the city's YouTube channel.
• Thursday, May 23, 5-8 p.m.: Santa Monica College APIDA Night Market. Explore the rich Asian Pacific Islander Desi American community and resources available at Santa Monica College in the Main Campus Quad, 1900 Pico Blvd.

Authored By

Barbara Fleeman
Librarian I

Categories

Arts, Culture & Fun, Library, Programs