Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021
31 Ways to Celebrate in May and Beyond
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, join Asia Society for 31 ways to celebrate the vibrant and diverse traditions and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans. Highlighting live programs — virtual and in-person alike — our calendar also features a curated selection of on-demand family activities, art breaks, staff recommendations, and more.
Since 1979, May has been a dedicated time to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage, but it wasn't until 1992 that May was officially designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Selected to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869 that was made possible by thousands of Chinese laborers, APAH Month elevates the stories, contributions, and experiences of the Asian and Asian American communities.
Tune in for a live program, try a new restaurant, expand your bookshelf, and find inspiration to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage throughout the month of May and beyond.
At a Glance
Our 31 ways to celebrate APAH Month include live webcast discussions, in-person art tours, and activities and content available on-demand.
Live programming highlights:
- May 1: Enjoy live standup and a conversation with comedian Sheng Wang!
- May 6: Join us for a live discussion on how individuals and organizations can demand action and create change against anti-Asian racism.
- May 7: Watch Academy Award-nominated Minari at our outdoor film screening!
- Each Saturday, we're offering docent-led art tours of our Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power exhibition.
On-demand highlights:
- Each Sunday, refresh and reset with staff recommendations for music, books, podcasts, and what to watch.
- On Mondays, take an art break! Connect with the art and architecture at Asia Society Texas Center, plus artist talks.
- Wednesdays offer At-Home Adventures through Asia — lesson plans highlighting a different country through five simple, at-home activities.
- On Fridays, explore restaurant options available in Houston or food content online!
Jump to any date through the calendar below! We have also created a two-page PDF for easy reference.
| Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 * | ||||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 * | 7 * | 8 * |
| 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 * | 14 | 15 * |
| 16 | 17 | 18 * | 19 | 20 * | 21 | 22 * |
| 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 * | 27 | 28 | 29 * |
| 30 | 31 |
* indicates a live program is scheduled for this day
Saturday, May 1
[LIVE] Saturday Night with Sheng Wang | 7 p.m. Central, Virtual
We welcome to our digital stage an interactive performance with deadpan humorist Sheng Wang! Raised in Houston, Wang has been performing and writing for over a decade, bringing his self-deprecating humor to everyday topics like grammar, aging, and avocados. Pull up a chair and join us for your own private talk show as Sheng gets into a comic conversation with Houston Cinema Arts Festival's Jessica Green. Learn more »
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour | 11 a.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
See our current exhibition Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power with a docent-led tour to experience the art on a personal level. Tours are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Sunday, May 2
Playlist: Jams and Bops
Start your week with a dreamy selection of music by Asian and Asian American artists! Production Technician Liz Nguyen has curated this three-hour Spotify playlist for a groovy Sunday.
Monday, May 3
Monday Art Break: Miya Ando
Buckle up! In this can't-miss video, curator Bridget Bray takes us on a vertical tour to explore artist Miya Ando's Mizukagami installation. Learn about our Miya Ando exhibition »
Tuesday, May 4
Curriculum: The Gee Family
In collaboration with the Houston Asian American Archive, we've developed a curriculum toolkit bringing local and personal context to the topic of immigration by featuring stories of Houston's Asian American community. These lesson plans, presenting interviews and stories of the Gee family, can be used any time of year. Find the toolkit »
Wednesday, May 5
At-Home Adventures through Asia: Vietnam
Our ongoing series of at-home lessons and activities is designed to help young learners explore the diverse cultures of Asia. In our At-Home Adventure through Vietnam, learn about Vietnamese history, food, and more, as well as the Vietnamese community in Houston. Start exploring »
Thursday, May 6
[LIVE] Webcast: Standing Against Racism in the Time of COVID: A Conversation on Activism | 7:30 p.m. Central, Virtual
What can people and organizations do to combat escalating acts of racism and xenophobia against Asian Americans? Join Asia Society Texas Center and Asia Society Southern California to learn what immediate and long-term changes are possible. We'll be joined by Stop AAPI Hate co-founder Dr. Russell Jeung, Georgia State Rep. Bee Nguyen, Compassion in Oakland co-founder Katrina Ramos, and CNN anchor Amara Walker. Learn more »
Friday, May 7
[IN-PERSON] Front Lawn Film Nights: Minari | 8 p.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
Enjoy fresh air and fresh popcorn as we screen critical darling Minari outdoors as part of our Front Lawn Film Nights series! A tender and sweeping story about what roots us, Minari follows a Korean American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American dream. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Learn more »
Saturday, May 8
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour | 11 a.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
See our current exhibition Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power with a docent-led tour to experience the art on a personal level. Tours are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Sunday, May 9
Deep Dive: Asian American Authors
Expand your bookshelf with Marketing and Communication Manager Chris Dunn's recommendations for fiction and nonfiction by Asian American authors! Selections span novels like Vanessa Hua's A River of Stars, essays such as Cathy Park Hong's Minor Feelings, and cultural history including Helen Zia's Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People. Start reading »
Monday, May 10
Monday Art Break: Cary Fagan
Revisit Houston-based artist Cary Fagan's artist talk, sculptural meditation piece, and audience Q&A through the full program video below or the written recap. Touching on themes of creation, transformation, and cultural exchange, the artist also shared how his practice has been shaped by his residency at Arts Itoya in Japan.
Tuesday, May 11
On-Demand Discussion: Building Black and Asian Solidarity: Women Leading Across Race, History, and Culture
Our sixth year of the Bank of America Women's Leadership Series opened with a stirring discussion with Prairie A&M University Ruth Simmons and activist and author Helen Zia. In conversation with ABC News' Nightline co-anchor Juju Chang, Simmons and Zia shared how their experiences as Black and Asian American women have shaped their leadership and discussed their hopes for solidarity between the two communities. Read the recap »
Wednesday, May 12
At-Home Adventures through Asia: Indonesia
Our ongoing series of at-home lessons and activities is designed to help young learners explore the diverse cultures of Asia. In this At-Home Adventure, learn about Indonesian clothing, food, geography, and more, plus create crafts inspired by Indonesian traditions. Start exploring »
Thursday, May 13
[LIVE] Webcast and Program: Restoring and Revitalizing Alliances: A Look Ahead at U.S.–Republic of Korea Relations | 6:30 p.m. Central, Virtual and at Asia Society Texas Center
Alongside a panel of experts, Ambassador Myung-soo Ahn, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Houston, discusses the current state of relationship between the U.S. and South Korea, and how it is likely to evolve in the future. We invite you to join us at the in-person program at our building or to tune in for the live webcast. Learn more »
Friday, May 14
Friday Food: Soups of Asiatown
Whether you're celebrating with loved ones, nourishing your health, or in need of a mood-booster, there's an Asian soup for you — and Production Technician Liz Nguyen's guide to soups (and where in Houston to find them) is indispensable. Embark on a delicious adventure through haleem, kimchi jigae, hot pot, and much more! Start slurping »
Saturday, May 15
[IN-PERSON] Family Day: Eid | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
Join us to celebrate Islamic culture and Houston's Muslim community at our Family Day highlighting Eid al-Fitr! Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is an occasion of peace, joy, and festivity. Enjoy a showcase of Islamic traditions, arts and crafts, food, music, and more at Asia Society. Learn more »
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour | 11 a.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
See our current exhibition Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power with a docent-led tour to experience the art on a personal level. Tours are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Sunday, May 16
Deep Dive: Podcast Picks
Find your next must-listen podcast (or two, or three!) with Business and Policy Programs Manager Mei Qi's selection of Asian American podcasts! Chew on the history of boba, dish on K-dramas from a Korean American perspective, join two book nerds' weekly conversations, and much more. Start listening »
Monday, May 17
Monday Art Break: Lee Ufan
Step outside for an unprecedented, up-close look at our permanent exhibition, Relatum–signal by Lee Ufan. Learn about Relatum–signal »
Tuesday, May 18
[LIVE] Webcast: Artist Talk: Hong Hong – On Material, Time, and Transference | 7 p.m. Central, Virtual
To celebrate our new exhibition The Mountain That Does Not Describe a Circle, we welcome the featured artist Hong Hong for an artist talk. She will discuss her site-responsive installation at Asia Society, where the architecture is both a support and counterpoint for ideas of scale, visual perception, and experiential connection. Learn more »
On-Demand Discussion: Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Asian Americans
An August 2020 report from McKinsey & Company examined the pandemic's initial effects on Asians and Asian Americans. In conversation with the Kinder Institute for Urban Research founding director Dr. Stephen Klineberg, report co-authors Elaine Dang and Harrison Lung discussed what drove the study, key insights and findings, and their main takeaways on the topic, including the crucial need for disaggregated data. Read the recap »
Wednesday, May 19
At-Home Adventures through Asia: Philippines
Our ongoing series of at-home lessons and activities is designed to help young learners explore the diverse cultures of Asia. In this At-Home Adventure, learn about school life, clothing, food, and holidays in the Philippines, plus learn a new dish and game! Start exploring »
Thursday, May 20
[LIVE] Bystander Intervention Training | 12–1:30 p.m., Virtual
Be part of the change and learn practical tips to safely stand up against hate and bigotry through this interactive workshop presented by Houston Coalition Against Hate, OCA Greater Houston, and Hollaback! This online training is free and takes place monthly; weekend and evening sessions are also available. Learn more »
[LIVE] Virtual Book Club: Interior Chinatown hosted by Charles Yu | 5:30 p.m. Central, Virtual
Gather with others online to reflect, discuss, and connect in a virtual book club led by author Charles Yu to discuss his book Interior Chinatown. A 2020 National Book Award winner, this novel is about race, pop culture, immigration, assimilation, and escaping the roles we are forced to play. This live event is for Asia Society members only. Learn more »
Friday, May 21
Friday Food: Takeout Inspiration with 60+ Houston AAPI Restaurants
The rest of the world is finally catching on to what Houstonians have always known — that we live in the new food capital of America. We've made it easier to choose your next meal from Asian and Asian American-owned restaurants serving up regional dishes as well as trendy new bites. Find 60 tried-and-true restaurants and eateries representing a cross-section of our city's diverse Asian and fusion cuisines through our virtual Night Market — and each profile includes a way to order your next delicious meal! Start your order »
Saturday, May 22
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour | 11 a.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
See our current exhibition Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power with a docent-led tour to experience the art on a personal level. Tours are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Sunday, May 23
Deep Dive: Magical Realism
Escape into realms of magical realism through Performing Arts and Culture Program Manager Kaitlyn Ellison's recommendations for novels that speak to serious human issues while also revealing unexpected layers to the world. With established authors like Haruki Murakami alongside debut novelists like C. Pam Zhang and more, you'll find no shortage of moving stories and mythologies. Start reading »
Monday, May 24
Monday Art Break: Filipinx Artists
Revisit this program with three Filipinx artists from different coasts across the United States. New York-based artist Jeanne F. Jalandoni, Houston-based artist and community organizer Matt Manalo, and San Francisco-based artist Charlene Tan gathered to reflect on new perspectives and practices during lockdown in a conversation with curator Bridget Bray. Read the recap »
Tuesday, May 25
Fold an Origami Crane!
Cranes have long symbolized peace, good health, longevity, and healing in many Asian cultures. According to the Japanese tradition of senbazuru, anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted their most desired wish. Learn how to fold an origami crane, which can be displayed on a desk or shelf or strung together with other cranes for a beautiful effect. Learn about our 1,000 Cranes for Hope project »
Wednesday, May 26
[LIVE] Webcast: Trailblazer and Tycoon: Conversation on Success with Ethan Allen's Chairman and CEO Farooq Kathwari | 7 p.m. Central, Virtual
Farooq Kathwari's journey from the city of Srinagar (Kashmir) to Chairman and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors is a testimony to his perseverance. Join us for a conversation with Farooq Kathwari about his life journey and successful career, his leadership in community-building, and the legacy he hopes to leave. Learn more »
At-Home Adventures through Asia: Korea
Our ongoing series of at-home lessons and activities is designed to help young learners explore the diverse cultures of Asia. In this At-Home Adventure, learn about Korean food, games, crafts, and more. Start exploring »
Thursday, May 27
Throwback Thursday to AsiaFest 2021
This March, we transformed our annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month into a week-long festival over Spring Break! Guests enjoyed performances, shopping, and activities unique to each day highlighting a different region of Asia. Through our video, enjoy a look at our "lite" festival! Read the recap »
Friday, May 28
Friday Food: Blogs and YouTube Channels to Follow
Stay hungry! We've compiled a selection of chefs and cooks we love to follow online, whether we're seeking recipes, quick tips, or inspiration in the kitchen. Get ready for mouth-watering photos, step-by-step videos, and appearances by YouTube-famous cats! Add to your follow list »
Saturday, May 29
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour | 11 a.m. Central at Asia Society Texas Center
See our current exhibition Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power with a docent-led tour to experience the art on a personal level. Tours are free for members and $5 for nonmembers. Learn more »
Sunday, May 30
Deep Dive: Bollywood
Spanning genres, the wide world of Bollywood offers a film or show for everyone. Whether you want to dip your toe in or are already a fan of the enormous Indian cinema industry, find inspiration in Business and Policy Director Saleena Jafry's recommendations for movies featuring the legendary Shah Rukh Khan, plus recently released films and series. Start watching »
Monday, May 31
Monday Art Break: Jura Fossils at Asia Society
Explore just a few fossils that are a feature of the stunning Jurassic-era limestone walls and floors of Asia Society Texas Center! Learn more about our building's architecture »
Business and Policy programs are endowed by Huffington Foundation. We give special thanks to Bank of America, Muffet Blake, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Nancy Pollok Guinee, and United Airlines, Presenting Sponsors of Business and Policy programs; Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher, Presenting Sponsors of Exhibitions; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Milton D. Rosenau, Presenting Sponsors of Performing Arts and Culture; Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsor of Education & Outreach; and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Presenting Sponsor of the Japan Series. General support of programs and exhibitions is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Hearst Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, McKinsey & Company, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as Friends of Asia Society.
About Asia Society at Home
We are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.
About Asia Society Texas Center
With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.