Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2023
31 Ways to Celebrate in May and Beyond
This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, join Asia Society Texas for 31 ways to celebrate the vibrant and diverse traditions and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans! Highlighting Asia Society's live programs, our calendar also features a curated selection of on-demand activities, 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 1859 that was made possible by thousands of Chinese laborers, APAH Month elevates the stories, contributions, and experiences of Asian and Asian American communities.
Attend a live program, learn about local artists, expand your playlist, and find inspiration to celebrate Asian Pacific American heritage throughout the month of May and beyond.
The Calendar | About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas
At a Glance
Our 31 ways to celebrate APAH Month include live programs and art tours at Asia Society Texas and other organizations, as well as activities and content available on-demand.
Live Programming Highlights:
- Throughout the month of May, enjoy free gallery admission to our exhibitions on view!
- May 11: Join us for an immersive multimedia performance by pianist Eunbi Kim as she creates a soundworld of classical music threaded with an indie-pop awareness to explore issues of family and identity.
- May 13: Celebrate underrepresented voices through BIPOC Book Fest's showcase of literary works, panels, and workshops celebrating Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other creatives!
- May 18: Hear from notable women news anchors Shern-Min Chow, Melanie Lawson, Pooja Lodhia, and Rekha Muddaraj as they discuss their careers and the joys and challenges of being female journalists and news anchors of color as part of our Bank of America Women's Leadership Series.
- May 19: Explore the breadth and depth of the cultural, historical, and artistic themes in our Summoning Memories exhibition at our free Symposium, which includes a gallery tour, panel discussions, and a keynote presentation by the guest curator.
On-Demand Highlights:
- Each Sunday, refresh and reset with Staff Picks for music, books, podcasts, and what to watch next.
- On Mondays, enjoy selections from our Encore Series, which highlights the best of Asia Society Texas' live programming.
- Tuesdays offer an opportunity to learn about local Asian Americans who reflect the richness and diversity of our community through our video series Houston's Asian American Journeys.
Plus, our Artist and Community Spotlights shine a light on Houston-area organizations and artists, including Dance of Asian America, Inprint, the Houston Asian American Archive, and former featured Artists on Site Bennie Flores Ansell, Guadalupe Hernandez, and Matt Manalo!
Jump to any date through the calendar below! We have also created a two-page PDF calendar for easy reference.
Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
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31 * |
* indicates an in-person program is scheduled on this day.
Throughout the Month of May
Enjoy Free Gallery Admission at Asia Society!
As a special APAH Month treat, enjoy free admission to our exhibition Summoning Memories: Art Beyond Chinese Traditions! The exhibition highlights works by over 30 contemporary artists of Chinese descent who reinterpret traditions in dynamic and innovative ways, using experimentation to draw on both Eastern and Western art-making practices and materials.
Monday, May 1
Monday Encore Series: Michelle Zauner on Finding Her Voice in Nonfiction
Last spring, we welcomed indie rockstar Michelle Zauner for a conversation with acclaimed author Bryan Washington about her New York Times best-selling memoir Crying in H Mart. Reflecting on her writing journey, Zauner shared while she had taken creative writing classes in college, she didn't focus on nonfiction because "I never felt, as an Asian American or mixed-race woman, that I could be a main character. ... It just didn't feel literary to be Korean American."
Tuesday, May 2
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Dr. Sujeeta Menon
A Singaporean native, Dr. Sujeeta Menon found herself lovingly embraced by the University of Houston as she pursued her Ph.D. in Social Work. She aims to pay the kindness of her community forward through her social work in Houston's Third Ward and her authorship. Watch her video to grasp the importance of southern hospitality and how Houston comes together to serve its communities without hesitation in times of crisis.
Wednesday, May 3
Artist Spotlight: Matt Manalo's Philippine-Made
On view at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Admission: Free
In his Artists on Site residency at Asia Society Texas last year, multidisciplinary artist Matt Manalo transformed our gallery space into a working studio space, using raw materials and found objects to tackle ideas surrounding his immigrant identity. Manalo's solo exhibition Philippine-Made — on view through May 13 at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft — is an autobiographical body of work drawn from the artist's life in the Philippines and in the U.S. See the exhibition before it closes soon!
Thursday, May 4
Deep Dive Into Star Wars With Michael Buening
May the Fourth be with you! In this special Deep Dive feature, Michael Buening, Asia Society Texas' Director of Performing Arts and Culture, takes a look at different ways Asians and Asian Americans have shown up in the Star Wars universe and what various Star Wars creators got right — and not so right — all written with love.
Friday, May 5
At-Home Craft: Children's Day Carp Flags
Celebrated on May 5 in Japan, Children's Day is a public holiday to celebrate children's health and individual strengths. Cloth streamers resembling carp are created and displayed on poles outside private homes to bring good luck for the children who live inside. Make your own koinobori banner using our printable template and simple materials found around your home in celebration of this holiday!
Download the Printable Template
Saturday, May 6
[IN-PERSON] Architecture Tour
10 a.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free for Asia Society Members, $5 Students and Seniors, $8 Nonmembers
Go behind the scenes of our 40,000 square-foot Center! Learn about the materials and influences of architect Yoshio Taniguchi's first free-standing building in the United States in this docent-led tour.
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour
11 a.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free for Asia Society Members, $5 Students and Seniors, $8 Nonmembers
Join a docent-led tour of our exhibition Summoning Memories to experience the art on view — on a personal level!
[IN-PERSON] Brown Bodies, Bold Stories: The Power of Representation
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Houston Public Library–Central
Admission: Free; registration required
While the representation that we see in our media, government, and popular culture has come a long way, it is still often entrenched in stereotypes that further the "othering" of Asians in America. True representation is a powerful tool to inspire Asians and Asian Americans to shine brightly with pride. Join us at Houston Public Library – Central for a free annual storytelling event where the community shares original stories, poems, songs, spoken-word pieces, and inspirational works to connect us all and uplift the power of representation.
[IN-PERSON] Community Spotlight: Dance of Asian America's Legends of the Chinese New Year
8:15 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Admission: Free
Over two acts, this mesmerizing performance by Dance of Asian America dramatizes the mythical origins of the Lunar New Year, from a small village's struggle to ward off a spirited monster to the exploits of a mischievous woodland fairy. This performance will also be livestreamed.
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Sunday, May 7
[IN-PERSON] Celebrating Incredible India!
4–6 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: $15 (Members receive 35% off)
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's independence with an evening of fashion, dance, and food! Look forward to a fashion show, performances by Anjali Center for Performing Arts and Rhythm India, and more in this stupendous showcase!
Learn More Purchase Tickets Now
Sunday Staff Picks: What We're Watching
Need a break from your latest cinematic universe? Refresh your watchlist with our team's recommendations for shows featuring established and rising Asian and Asian American talent, from anime to C-Dramas to comedians.
Monday, May 8
[IN-PERSON] Community Spotlight: Inprint Abraham Verghese Reading
7:30 p.m. at Alley Theatre
Admission: $5
Join Inprint to welcome National Humanities Medal recipient Abraham Verghese as he shares his highly anticipated novel The Covenant of Water as part of the 2022/2023 Inprint Margarett Root Brown Reading Series!
Monday Encore Series: I Was, I Am, I Will Be Installation Timelapse
From July through December, Everything She Has Within Herself brought together three murals of empowerment by artists Jas Charanjiva, Chanel Miller, and Jenifer K. Wofford at Asia Society Texas — the first institution to recreate the trio of murals, which were originally commissioned for display at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco in 2020. See the installation of Miller's I Was, I Am, I Will Be through this timelapse video!
Tuesday, May 9
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Robin Wong
Houstonians have redefined cultural boundaries particularly through fearless culinary forays, and Robin Wong and his crew at Blood Bros. BBQ have continued to put Houston on the map as a destination for globally-inspired and locally-influenced cuisine. Watch Wong's video as he reflects on the unintentional creation of a nationally acclaimed Asian barbecue fusion restaurant and the responsibility that emerges with being a public figure.
Wednesday, May 10
[IN-PERSON] AAPI Mental Health Community Panel
7 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free; registration required
AAPI communities are less likely to have access to mental health care — in large part because of severe health and economic disparities within this large and diverse group — which is exacerbated by spikes of hate incidents and violence against Asians and Asian Americans in recent years. Join us for a free program to unpack and understand issues around AAPI access to mental health care, particularly urgent due to the lasting impacts of anti-Asian racism and hate. Questions and participation from attendees are strongly encouraged at this open-forum discussion.
Thursday, May 11
[IN-PERSON] Eunbi Kim: it feels like a dream
7:30 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: $25 (Members receive 35% off)
Pianist Eunbi Kim's sonic memoir it feels like a dream features a soundworld of classical music threaded with an indie-pop awareness — expanded by the hypnotic projected visuals of new media artist Xuan. Exploring issues of family and identity, this immersive multimedia performance offers listeners the soundspace to meditate on the dreams they carry and pass on.
Learn More Purchase Tickets Now
Friday, May 12
APAH Mixtape 2023
From K-pop to rock to groovy jams, our selection of music by Asian and Asian American artists will take you on a journey defying genres and boundaries. Curated by Exhibitions Manager and Registrar Rebecca Becerra, with contributions from other colleagues, this 5-hour Spotify playlist is sure to keep you grooving throughout your day.
Saturday, May 13
[IN-PERSON] BIPOC Book Fest
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: $5
Join us for the 2023 edition of BIPOC Book Fest, a celebration centering underrepresented voices through a showcase of literary works and panels featuring Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other creatives. Curated with diversity in mind, the festival combines the nostalgia of the book fairs we knew and loved as children with unique programming, panel discussions, readings, poetry performances, and more!
Learn More Purchase Tickets Now
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Sunday, May 14
Sunday Staff Picks: What We're Reading (Nonfiction)
Dive into nonfiction with new titles recommended by our team! Find your next go-to recipe in our suggested cookbooks, immerse yourself in poignant new memoirs, and more.
Monday, May 15
Monday Encore Series: Guadalupe Hernandez in Artists on Site Series 2
During his Artists on Site residency in 2021, Houston-based artist Guadalupe Hernandez created works inspired by his Mexican heritage, from paintings to papel picado. Enjoy this short peek into the papel picado process!
"As I work, I often think about my own cultural identity. What is my place in the culture? What do I not understand? How am I influenced by my culture? These questions have guided me to focus on the rich culture of Mexico which is often overlooked. My work celebrates the beauty found in scenes from everyday life and explores subcultures found throughout Mexico."
Tuesday, May 16
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Heaven Chee
A lawyer, community activist, and proud graduate of Alief ISD, Heaven Chee shares her perspectives on growing up in Houston, the importance of mentorship and advocacy, and building relationships between different Houston communities.
Wednesday, May 17
Artist Spotlight: Bennie Flores Ansell's Swarm Migration
On view at Moody Center for the Arts
Admission: Free
Inspired by the murmurations of birds flying above as part of their migration, Houston-based visual artist Bennie Flores Ansell began exploring the topic of migration through her own murmuration installations — consisting of analog film dots as well as resin and ceramic "wishbones" created from CT scans of her own collarbones — in her 2021 Artists on Site residency. For her exhibition Swarm Migration, on view at the Moody Center for the Arts, Flores Ansell created a site-specific installation incorporating more than 1,000 wishbones. See the exhibition, on view through September 1.
[IN-PERSON] Bank of America Women's Leadership Series: Houston's Leading News Anchors
6 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: $50 (Members receive 35% off)
The Houston media landscape is home to many notable women news anchors who are breaking barriers and leading the way, in addition to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women seeking careers in journalism and the media. Join us to welcome Shern-Min Chow, Melanie Lawson, Pooja Lodhia, and Rekha Muddaraj as they discuss their careers and reflect on the joys and challenges that come with being female journalists and news anchors of color.
Friday, May 19
[IN-PERSON] Symposium: Summoning Traditions: Art Beyond Chinese Traditions
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free; registration required
Join us for a free symposium about the artists and issues featured in our exhibition Summoning Memories! Beginning with a guided gallery tour, guest curator Dr. Susan L. Beningson leads a series of conversations with featured artists — including Bingyi, Cui Fei, Kelly Wang, and Zheng Chongbin — alongside leading curators, exploring the breadth and depth of themes on view in the exhibition as we rethink and reimagine the histories, traditions, and practices of artists of Chinese and Chinese American descent.
Saturday, May 20
[IN-PERSON] Art Tour
11 a.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free for Asia Society Members, $5 Students and Seniors, $8 Nonmembers
Join a docent-led tour of our exhibition Summoning Memories to experience the art on view — on a personal level!
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Sunday, May 21
Sunday Staff Picks: What We're Listening to
Looking for a new-to-you podcast or musical album to add to your playlist? Start listening with recommendations from our team, spanning R&B music to cultural podcasts to experimental vibes, with picks ranging from Arooj Aftab to Jacky Cheung to Anderson.Paak.
Monday, May 22
Monday Encore Series: Huma Abedin on the Notion of 'Both/And' and Embracing Her Story
Last spring, longtime Hillary Clinton top aide Huma Abedin joined us for a special convergence of our signature Bank of America Women's Leadership Series and Muslim Series. With warmth and candor, Abedin reflected on growing up both Muslim and American, shared her journey in public service, and spoke on the importance of female friendships especially during difficult times. In this highlight from the conversation with Melanie Lawson, Abedin recalls lessons from her father, whose belief in the value of seeing nuances helped her embrace her heritage and her story.
Tuesday, May 23
Houston's Asian American Journeys: John Tran
As a native Houstonian, John Tran has come to appreciate the comfort of the region's large Vietnamese community — as well as the diversity that lies beyond, demonstrating that in Houston, differences are celebrated. Watch his video as he shares what drove him to pursue medicine and his personal reminder to appreciate the sacrifices our loved ones have made for us.
Wednesday, May 24
Community Spotlight: Houston Asian American Archive's Our Vibrant AAPI Community
On view at Houston Public Library's Julia Ideson Gallery
Admission: Free
First settling in the Houston area in the early 20th century, Asians and Asian Americans are an indelible part of the Bayou City's fabric. On view at Houston Public Library's Julia Ideson Gallery, Our Vibrant AAPI Community: Selections From the Houston Asian American Archive features archival materials and new art works to present "a sampling of the richness of AAPI experiences, offering a panoramic view of Houston's AAPI world." On view through June 3, the exhibition also features oral interviews from Rice University's Houston Asian American Archive repository.
Thursday, May 25
[IN-PERSON] The Internet and Hate Speech in a Post-Truth Society
6:30 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free; registration required
How does the rise of hate speech on the Internet and social media translate into hateful actions and crimes, including a spike in violence against Asians and Asian Americans? Join us as experts examine the rise of digital hate speech, with an emphasis on post-truth, or the idea that facts are secondary to emotions and personal beliefs when shaping and sharing opinions and worldviews.
Friday, May 26
At-Home Craft: Sakura Origami
In Japan, the cherry blossom trees bloom in late March and April, creating beautiful scenery for picnics and festivities. Using pink origami paper and everyday materials around your home, make your own sakura origami to celebrate springtime!
Saturday, May 27
Final Weekend: Lain Singh Bangdel: Moon Over Kathmandu
Admission: Free!
See our exhibition Lain Singh Bangdel: Moon Over Kathmandu in its final weekend! Born to a family of migrant workers on a tea plantation in Darjeeling, India, Bangdel became an acclaimed novelist, art historian, academician, and painter who is often referred to as the "father of modern art" in Nepal. See the gallery, which charts the artist's pioneering pursuit of abstraction, before it closes on Sunday, May 28.
Enjoy the exhibition with free admission, and visit Java Lava Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or a pick-me-up!
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Sunday, May 28
Sunday Staff Picks: What We're Reading (Fiction)
Expand your bookshelf! Our team has shared fiction they've read recently or added to their list to help you find your next favorite title. Enjoy fantasy, manga, novels, poetry, and more — all by Asian and Asian American authors including R.F. Kuang, Trung Le Nguyen, and Li-Young Lee.
Monday, May 29
Monday Encore Series: Riyaaz Qawwali in Concert: 'Aj aakhan Waris Shah nu'
Last November, Houston-based Riyaaz Qawwali celebrated two major figures of Urdu and Punjabi literature, Parveen Shakir and Amrita Pritam, setting their poetry into the qawwali form for the first time, commissioned by Asia Society Texas. In this highlight from the concert, Riyaaz Qawwali sang 'Aj aakhan Waris Shah nu,' Pritam’s landmark poem which delved into her anguish over the Partition of India in 1947. Prior to the performance, Riyaaz Qawwali's founder and artistic director Sonny K. Mehta speaks about Pritam's work and the group's decision to adapt the poem.
Tuesday, May 30
Houston's Asian American Journeys: Gordon Quan
Born in Guangzhou, China, Gordon Quan is a native Houstonian in spirit. Through his experiences practicing immigration, serving in elected office, and advocating for his communities, Quan has shown a deep love for this great city and a strong belief that a future of equal opportunity for success is within our grasp. Watch his video as he reflects on his role in the development of Bellaire's Chinatown and his belief in the importance of civic engagement.
Wednesday, May 31
[IN-PERSON] Members-Only Reception and Tour of Summoning Memories: Art Beyond Chinese Traditions
6 p.m. at Asia Society Texas
Admission: Free; for Asia Society Members only
Are you an Asia Society Texas member? Join us for an exclusive-access reception in celebration of our exhibition on view, which includes a docent-led tour of the gallery! Explore the art, mingle with Asia Society staff, and enjoy light bites and wine at this members-only event!
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About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas
Beginning in 2021, Asia Society Texas has celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Houston community and beyond through a curated calendar of events for 31 ways to celebrate over the 31 days of May. Spotlighting the traditions, talents, and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, the calendar highlights the month's key Asia Society programming, providing a platform to showcase local artists, performers, educators, and leaders who contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry of Houston while also featuring staff recommendations for our favorite music, books, movies, and more by Asian and Asian American creatives.
At Asia Society Texas, APAH Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Asians and Asian Americans and to uplift their stories to a broader audience as part of our goal to inspire our larger community to better understand one another through culture, conversation, and connection. For information about sponsoring APAH Month and other projects like this one, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939.
Sponsors of APAH Month at Asia Society Texas
Asian American Bar Association of Houston
Comcast
The Heimbinder Family Foundation
Past APAH Month Calendars
2022: Highlights | Details
2021: Details
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.