AAPI Heritage Month in Chula Vista:
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to me?
PHOTOS FROM 123RF
By Candace Thrower
T
he National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May and this year, we take time to recognize and celebrate the many efforts, contributions, the diverse cultures and the rich histories of the Asian American and Pacific Islander people. In Chula Vista, we believe that our communities grows stronger and more bonded when everyone feels at home, feels welcomed and work together for the common good. In light of this, what does AAPI Heritage Month mean to me? Like so many other major events, it’s possible
that the AAPI Heritage Month could just slip away, without really giving it much thought. But this year it feels different especially happening at a time when the Asian Americans are facing racism and discrimination at its worst! The experiences and ordeals by the AAPI people is creating powerful conversations across the nation about the place of the AAPIs in our communities. Many families in the US in the 60s-70s grew up in environment that wasn’t really diverse which means many have been struggling to grasp how the Asian, Chinese or the Pacific Islanders MAY 2022 | 83
