Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May

This May, the City of Lake Oswego is proud to celebrate the history, achievements and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander people. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent including East, Southeast and South Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

Visit the Federal Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to learn more about the origins and events for this commemorative history month.

Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity

This year’s Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity”. The 2023 theme recognizes the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s efforts in advancing leaders in the Federal government. For more information on this year’s theme please visit FAPAC - AAPI Resources.

Celebrations and Activities

2023 Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration
Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 12-3 p.m.
Join Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation as we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander heritage month in partnership with local nonprofits LO for LOve and Respond To Racism. Peruse food vendors, artisans and nonprofit booths with crafts and activities for youth from 12-1p. Main program begins at 1pm and will include a keynote address from Beaverton City Council member Nadia Hasan, performances from Tahitian dance group Anavai O Te Ora, martial arts demonstrations from World Champion Taekwondo & Grand Master Kim and more!

“I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” Exhibit and more at the Lake Oswego Public Library!
Join the Lake Oswego Public Library in the celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI/AANHPI) cultures and heritage. In addition to the First Tuesday Music event featuring Sharon Gan & Daniel Velasquez and the Third Tuesday Author presentation featuring Cecily Wong, we encourage you to check out some of the amazing things going on throughout the month of May:

A poster exhibit on the main floor: “I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.
A Sijo Korean Poetry program on May 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
AAPI-inspired origami take-away craft kits for children
Curated AAPI book/movie lists on our adult and youth Pinterest boards.
Inspiring book and media displays at the library

Oregon AAPI Food & Wine Fest with PDX Shuttle
Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The first annual event of its kind is taking place in the Pacific Northwest during Oregon Wine Month and AAPI Heritage Month where attendees can enjoy curated bites from AAPI-owned Portland restaurants and wineries. Featuring non-traditional food and wine pairings by an AAPI sommelier.

Oregon Rises Above Hate
Saturday May 6, 2023
Join the Portland Japanese American Citizens League in celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the AANHPI (Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) community, its resilience, and commit to combat the continued rise anti-Asian hate.

Voices of Change: Deepening Ties, Growing Power
Saturday May 20, 2023 from 5-8 p.m.
Our Voices of Change annual fundraiser is a family friendly community event where we will celebrate our interconnectedness and shared strength. We come together to call on you, our community, to continue your support of our ongoing work to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Oregon.

PBS Documentaries

Every May PBS takes extra time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers. Enjoy this selection of films, some premiering in May as well as some gems to revisit. These documentaries celebrate the light and love in our diverse AANHPI communities.

History

Throughout history, members of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities have contributed to Oregon’s economy and rich cultural history. To learn more about the contributions of Chinese, Japanese, Hmong, Indian and other Asian and Pacific Islander communities, visit Race, Ethnicity and Nationality page on The Oregon Encyclopedia and select “group”.

Learn more about Lake Oswego’s Chinese Ironworkers and their contributions to our city. Racial Diversity in Old Oswego - Lake Oswego Preservation Society