AlsoCelebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of the culture and history of Asian-Pacific Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month originated as a congressional bill in 1978. In 1992, it was expanded from a week to a month-long celebration.
This is a time to honor, celebrate and learn more about the diverse Asian-Pacific cultures. Also, it is a great time to reflect on your own heritage culture with your family if you are descended from different cultures.
I have an interview with my son a while back about his take on learning his heritage language, Mandarin. It is a candid conversation. Without preparation. You can watch it here If you ever attended a weekend heritage language school it might bring back some memories.
Over the years, my kids and I tumbled on the heritage language learning journey but we continued to ride the waves of the highs and the lows.
We fell again and again. We climbed back on the surfboard. Together. Sometimes with tears. Sometimes with laughter.
Both my kids are teenagers now and soon they will be taking the gift of their heritage language and cultures on their new adventure.
Looking back, there are memories of return trips from Taiwan with heavy suitcases filled with Chinese children’s books for my kids. Now, many of the books are at our fingertips with a click and a swipe away.
There are fun memories of exploring the local day markets and trying the amazing food, drinks, and snack.
Also, there are inspiring memories of kind vendors who encouraged the kids to keep learning Mandarin. Furthermore, there are cultural practices and experiences that are beyond their imagination.
Last but not least, there are precious memories of time with grandparents with whom they can communicate in their first language and learn about the family stories and history…
What we do now can shape the future. What we share with our kids about their heritage culture can help our children to learn about themselves, be curious about the homeland of their parents, and grandparents,… and build their positive identity.
Share your heritage culture. Learn about a friend’s heritage culture.
Be curious.
Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!
Featured AAPI Heritage Month Resource of Diverse book Authors, Publishers and Resources
Maria Wen Adcock at BiculturalMom
Mia Wenjen at PragmaticMom
Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Aditi Wardhan Singh
Tuttle Publishing
Harper Collins
Scholastic
Indigrowkids
The Chidlren’s Book Council
Related Post
Be fearless! Pass on your heritage language to your children
Food, pride, and family value
An Interview with my son on learning his heritage language, Mandarin
10 Children’s Books for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
12 Children’s Books by Asian American Pacific Islander Authors
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – AAPI Heritage Month