Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The month of May is designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to pay tribute to the cultural influence and contributions of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. The Department of Defense (DoD) theme for this year is "Diversity, Leadership, Empowerment and Beyond." This theme is reflective of the rich diversity of generations of Asian Pacific Americans who in the past and now continue to demonstrate commitment to true leadership and the empowerment of others.

Asian Pacific Americans are predominantly from or have roots in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In terms of culture, language, music, arts, and geography, Asian Pacific Americans represent one of the most diverse populations on the planet. Asian Pacific Americans are also the second fastest growing minority in the U.S. The estimated number of U.S. residents of Asian descent is 16 million. Of the 2.6 million federal employees, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are well represented (5.9%) in the federal workplace. This is above the national civilian labor force percentage for their group.

As a demonstration of their leadership and empowerment of others, Asian Pacific Americans own approximately 1,638,881 businesses, with total receipts of $521 billion. Also, an estimated 288,293 single-race Asian Pacific American military veterans have answered the call to serve, protect, and secure our nation.

This month gives us the opportunity to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the rich diversity, leadership, and enduring empowerment of all Asian Pacific Americans. You can begin your cultural journey and family fun this Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Smithsonian kickoff celebration for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This day of activities centers on Sweet & Sour, a display that traces the evolution of Chinese food in the United States and the long history of Chinese immigration. Visitors can participate in many hands-on activities.

Children and their families can work with artist Sushmita Mazumdar to create a storybook illustrating a personal story from their own kitchen. Teens from the Hirshhorn's ARTLAB+ video production program will then interview the children and record their stories, producing videos for the families and for posting on the site www.SmithsonianEducation.org/Heritage. There will also be curator talks with Cedric Yeh, Deputy Chair and Associate Curator in the Division of Armed Forces History at NMAH. He is also the Co-Chair for the Asian Pacific American Initiatives Committee.

For more information about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month visit: - The Federal Asian Pacific American Council, www.fapac.org - The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, www.deomi.org

Please join us in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

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Events to Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Washington, D.C.

Asian Pacific American Arts & Crafts Festival

Friday, May 6, 2011, 10 AM - 3:30 PM
Location:

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum's Asian Pacific American Arts & Crafts Festival with artists and craftspeople demonstrating Asian cultural traditions.
For more information visit

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Family Day Celebration

Saturday, May 7, 2011, 11 AM - 4 PM
Location: National History Museum

Bring the whole family to the Smithsonian's kickoff celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! This day of activities centers on Sweet & Sour, an exhibition case that traces the evolution of Chinese food in the United States and the long history of Chinese immigration. Visitors can watch the film Killing of the Chinese Cookie, join a discussion with director Derek Shimoda, and participate in many hands-on activities. Children and their families can work with artist Sushmita Mazumdar to create a storybook illustrating a personal story from their own kitchens. Teens from the Hirshhorn's ARTLAB+ video production program then interview the children and record their stories, producing videos for the families and for posting on the website listed below.
Visit Smithsonian calendar for more information click here

Celebrate Hawai'i Festival

Saturday, May 21, 2011, 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: American Indian Museum
This festival is the museum's annual celebration of Hawaiian arts and culture and coincides with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. During the festival, visitors can hear about the hula and learn the Native dance, take in a Hawaiian cooking demonstration, watch short films, and attend discussions about Native Hawaiian cultural traditions. Complete Schedule: Saturday & Sunday
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Visit Smithsonian calendar for more information

National Asian Heritage Festival - Fiesta Asia 2011

May 21, 2011
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 6th St. Washington, DC
- Metro stations: National Archives/Navy Memorial and Judiciary Square The National Asian Heritage Festival showcases Asian art and culture with a wide array of activities including live performances by musicians, vocalists and performance artists, Pan-Asian cuisine, martial arts and lion dance demonstration, a multicultural marketplace, cultural displays and interactive activities.
Visit here for more information