As you know, May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). APAHM is an annual celebration and recognition of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans and their achievements and contributions throughout U.S. history and to present day. It was first designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week by President Carter in 1978. In 1992, it was designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month by President Bush. Since then, hundreds of AAPIs come to Washington, DC to participate in APAHM events and celebrations on this month.

Join Ben de Guzman, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and Regina Chow-McPhie, longtime resident and formerly of the Equal Opportunity Commission, for a conversation that will focus on the history behind APAHM, centering local stories and people in the District. How has APAHM influenced or shaped local efforts in recognizing the contributions of AAPIs in DC? And how have AAPIs (people, places, events) in the District shaped the evolution of APAHM? Jack Lee, longtime Chinatown resident and community leader (Chinese Youth Club), will be moderating this discussion.

Register for this virtual event (via Zoom) here and stay tuned for more details!