AAPI Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. In Old Pasadena, we continue to look for ways to honor all the diversity in our commUNITY and to support equity and inclusion for all people.  We stand against violence and in support of tolerance and understanding.  Please join us in celebrating AAPI Month!

Nearly 30% of all businesses in Old Pasadena are Asian-owned and many provide uniquely Asian goods and services. Scroll down for places to visit and more resources.

"Learning about the past can change our future..."

- Susie Ling, Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies at Pasadena City College

Celebrating with the City of Pasadena

The City of Pasadena is proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions of the AAPI community to the rich cultural tapestry of our city and nation. Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, and The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library are offering a month-long series of in-person and virtual activities and events to celebrate the AAPI heritage, history, and achievements. All programs and events are free.

These events will include cultural educational activities, workshops, and crafts that showcase the diverse traditions and contributions of the AAPI community. These events aim to promote understanding, appreciation, and respect for the AAPI community and their contributions to the City of Pasadena.

For information about the City of Pasadena's programs and events, please visit CityOfPasadena.net/News.

 

PLACES TO VISIT

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden
Ongoing and temporary related exhibitions and events 
At The Huntington, the Asian art collections are heterogeneous. Recently, acquisitions have been more related to the East Asian garden arts, paintings, literature, music, theater, tea culture, and stone appreciation. A highlight from the collection is a Mounted Double-Gourd Vase that was produced in 14th-century China as a serving jug.

Norton Simon Museum
South and Southeast Asian Paintings and Sculpture Collection
The Norton Simon Museum houses a world-renowned collection of art from South and Southeast Asia that includes examples of the rich sculptural and painting traditions that developed in this region over the course of more than 2,000 years.

USC Pacific Asia Museum (PAM)
Admission is FREE for the entire Month of May in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month! Courtesy of Wescom Credit Union.  

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

Asian Pacific Heritage
Official page paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Check for virtual events and resources.

California Japantowns
Exploring the preservation of history, culture, and community

Densho
Preserving stories of the past for the generations of tomorrow

Old Pasadena Japanese American Businesses 1940
Maps of communities in California where Japanese Americans lived and worked prior to World War II

Naomi Hirahara
Pasadena-born Edgar Award-winning author of multiple traditional mystery series and noir short stories

Susie Ling's Blog "Thinking Aloud"
Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies at Pasadena City College

Stop AAPI Hate
Tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.