AAPI Heritage Month

A CURATED LIST

BY OPTIONS FOR ALL

NOTABLE AAPI FIGURES

KamalaHarris

TammyDuckworth

MazieHirono

NormanMineta

AndrewYang

PatsyMink

BrunoMars

Awkwafina(Nora Lum)

ConstanceWu

StevenYeun

SandraOh

MindyKaling

JohnCho

DavidHo

StevenChu

Fei-FeiLi

JerryYang

Tsung-DaoLee

AmyTan

JhumpaLahiri

VietThanhNguyen

MaxineHongKingston

NaomiOsaka

JeremyLin

ChloeKim

KristiYamaguchi

MichelleKwan

GraceLeeBoggs

YuriKochiyama

HelenZia

IndraNooyi

SatyaNadella

EricYuan

VeraWang

Yo-YoMa

DanielDaeKim

AliWong

H.E.R.(GabriellaWilson)

KatherineTai

KeanuReeves

Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States, making history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, she started her career as a lawyer and served as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, Harris gained national recognition for her work on the Senate Judiciary Committee. As vice president, she focuses on immigration, voting rights, and COVID-19 response, and plays a key role in the Biden administration's policies and diplomatic efforts

Jackie Chan is a globally renowned actor, martial artist, and stuntman, famous for his acrobatic fighting style and comedic talent Born on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong, he rose to fame in the 1970s with films like "Drunken Master " Chan achieved international success with Hollywood hits such as the "Rush Hour" series Known for performing his own stunts, he has received numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar. Beyond film, Chan is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting education, disaster relief, and animal welfare causes

Vera Wang is a renowned American fashion designer best known for her elegant and sophisticated bridal gowns. Born on June 27, 1949, in New York City, she started her career in fashion at Vogue and later worked for Ralph Lauren Wang launched her own bridal line in 1990 and quickly became a leading designer in the industry, known for her modern, luxurious designs Her brand has since expanded to include evening wear, ready-to-wear, and home products Wang's designs are popular among celebrities and have earned her numerous accolades in the fashion world.

Satya Nadella is the CEO of Microsoft, a position he held since 2014 Born on August 19, 1967, in Hydera India, Nadella moved to the United States to study c science, earning degrees from the University of Wisc Milwaukee and the University of Chicago Booth Scho Business. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and held vario leadership roles, including in the company's cloud an enterprise divisions As CEO, Nadella has transforme Microsoft, focusing on cloud computing, AI, and foste more inclusive company culture Under his leadershi Microsoft has seen significant growth and innovation

SPOTLIGHT ON AAPI ARTISTS

1.

Yayoi Kusama (Born March 22, 1929) - Japanese contemporary artist known for her immersive installations and polka dot motifs

2

Maya Lin (Born October 5, 1959) - American artist and architect known for her minimalist designs, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D C

3.

Ai Weiwei (Born August 28, 1957) - Chinese contemporary artist and activist known for his provocative artworks addressing social and political issues.

4.

Nam June Paik (Born July 20, 1932 - January 29, 2006) - Korean American artist considered the father of video art, known for his innovative use of television and technology.

5

Zhang Huan (Born January 10, 1965) - Chinese performance and installation artist known for his challenging and provocative works.

6.

Do Ho Suh (Born September 25, 1962) - Korean-born sculptor and installation artist known for his fabric-based architectural sculptures

7.

Shinique Smith (Born November 14, 1971) - American artist known for her vibrant, mixed-media artworks exploring identity and consumer culture.

8

Yoko Ono (Born February 18, 1933) - Japanese multimedia artist known for her pioneering work in conceptual art and performance art

9.

Mona Hatoum (Born May 15, 1952) - Palestinian-British artist known for her installations, sculptures, and video works exploring themes of conflict and displacement.

10

Shirin Neshat (Born March 26, 1957) - Iranian artist known for her photography and video installations addressing gender and identity in Islamic societies.

11

Anish Kapoor (Born March 12, 1954) - British-Indian sculptor known for his large-scale, reflective installations.

12

Mika Ninagawa (Born October 18, 1972) - Japanese photographer known for her colorful, floral-themed photographs.

13.

Manabu Ikeda (Born 1973) - Japanese artist known for his incredibly detailed pen and ink drawings

Yayoi Kusama, born on March 22, 1929, in Matsumoto, Japan, has profoundly influenced contemporary art with her visionary creations, notably her iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms. These immersive installations epitomize Kusama's lifelong exploration of infinity, repetition, and the human psyche. In these environments, viewers step into mirrored rooms adorned with meticulously arranged objects, often covered in Kusama's signature polka dots. Mirrors create an illusion of boundless space, with reflections extending into infinity, while the objects and lights evoke a sense of enchantment and wonder.

The Infinity Mirror Rooms offer viewers a transformative experience, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. As participants immerse themselves in these kaleidoscopic environments, they become active agents in Kusama's exploration of the infinite Through repetition and pattern, Kusama invites contemplation of life's cyclical nature and the interconnectedness of all things The polka dots, recurring throughout her work, symbolize the individual's quest for identity and self-obliteration, fostering introspection and introspective reflection.

Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms transcend mere aesthetic appeal, offering profound insights into the human condition They serve as metaphors for the vastness of the universe, prompting viewers to confront their mortality and find solace in the beauty and mystery of existence. With these visionary installations, Yayoi Kusama has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art, captivating audiences worldwide and leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire awe and wonder.

BOOKS BY AAPI AUTHORS

Amy Tan - "The Joy Luck Club"

Jhumpa Lahiri - "Interpreter of Maladies"

Viet Thanh Nguyen - "The Sympathizer"

Maxine Hong Kingston - "The Woman Warrior"

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - "Americanah"

Kazuo Ishiguro - "Never Let Me Go"

Celeste Ng - "Little Fires Everywhere"

Haruki Murakami - "Norwegian Wood"

Arundhati Roy - "The God of Small Things"

Jung Chang - "Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China"

Ha Jin - "Waiting"

Ocean Vuong - "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous"

Bharati Mukherjee - "Jasmine"

Kevin Kwan - "Crazy Rich Asians"

Lisa See - "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan"

"The Joy Luck Club" is a compelling novel by Amy Tan that delves into the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships and the immigrant experience Published in 1989, the book follows the lives of four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters, who come together to form a mahjong club known as the Joy Luck Club. Through a series of interconnected stories, Tan explores themes of cultural identity, intergenerational conflict, and the pursuit of the American Dream Set against the backdrop of San Francisco's Chinatown, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by these women as they navigate the complexities of their dual identities With its richly drawn characters and poignant storytelling, "The Joy Luck Club" has captivated readers around the world and remains a timeless exploration of family, heritage, and the bonds that shape us

Amy Tan is a prominent Chinese American author known for her insightful exploration of family, heritage, and identity in her novels Born on February 19, 1952, in Oakland, California, Tan drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in a Chinese immigrant family Her breakthrough novel, "The Joy Luck Club," published in 1989, garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant portrayal of the complex relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters Tan's evocative storytelling and richly drawn characters have resonated with readers worldwide, cementing her status as a leading voice in Asian American literature Through her work, Tan delves into themes of cultural assimilation, generational differences, and the search for belonging, offering readers profound insights into the human experience across cultures.

"Crazy Rich Asians" is a bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan that takes readers on a captivating journey into the opulent world of Asia's ultra-rich elite Published in 2013, the story revolves around Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese woman, who accompanies her boyfriend, Nick Young, to Singapore for his best friend's wedding Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick hails from one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Singapore, and she finds herself thrust into a world of extravagant mansions, lavish parties, and cutthroat social politics As Rachel navigates the complexities of Singapore's high society, she must contend with jealous socialites, disapproving family members, and her own insecurities about fitting in With its colorful cast of characters, humorous dialogue, and lush descriptions of wealth and privilege, "Crazy Rich Asians" offers readers a delightful romp through the glamorous and sometimes absurd world of the super-rich

Kevin Kwan is a Singaporean-American author best known for his satirical novels exploring the lives of the wealthy and glamorous in Asia Born in Singapore, Kwan grew up in an affluent family and later moved to the United States to study. His breakout novel, "Crazy Rich Asians," published in 2013, follows the romantic escapades and social intrigue of Singapore's ultra-rich elite and their families Kwan's witty and sharp-eyed portrayal of high society has earned him widespread acclaim and propelled his novels to international bestseller status With his keen insight and sharp humor, Kwan offers readers an entertaining glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles and intricate social dynamics of Asia's elite

"The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen chronicles the life of a Vietnamese communist spy embedded in the South Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon, he relocates to California, where he continues to grapple with his dual identity and allegiances Through sharp prose and a satirical lens, Nguyen explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of cultural and political allegiance in a post-war world

Viet Thanh Nguyen is a Vietnamese American author and scholar renowned for his profound exploration of identity, war, and the immigrant experience Born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, Nguyen's upbringing deeply informs his writing, which often grapples with themes of displacement, memory, and the lingering effects of conflict His work transcends conventional narratives, offering nuanced perspectives that challenge stereotypes and illuminate the complexities of cultural assimilation and belonging. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and cultural critic, Nguyen's voice resonates powerfully in contemporary literature, advocating for marginalized voices and offering profound insights into the human condition

MUSIC BY AAPI ARTISTS

"While We're Young" - Jhené Aiko

"History" - Rich Brian

"Focus" - H.E.R.

"Came For The Low" (with partywithray) - ZHU

"Someday" - Ruby Ibarra

"Locked Out of Heaven" - Bruno

Mars

"Hyung" (feat Dok2 & Simon Dominic) - Dumbfoundead

"Cool Down" - Kolohe Kai

"Anak" - Freddie Aguilar

"Safe" - Dumbfoundead

"Aloha 'Oe" - Queen Liliʻuokalani

"Sativa" (feat. Swae Lee) - Jhené

Aiko

"Poison" - Nicole Scherzinger

"Pink Venom" - BLACKPINK

"Superbike" - Jay Som

“Dynamity” - BTS

"Faded" - ZHU

"Your Best American Girl" - Mitski

"The Worst" - Jhené Aiko

"Right There" - Nicole Scherzinger

"Nobody" - Mitski

"Best Friend" (feat Doja Cat)Saweetie

"Be Sweet" - Japanese Breakfast

"Pockiez" - Awkwafina

"Best Part" (feat Daniel Caesar)H E R

"Road Head" - Japanese Breakfast

"Tiny Bubbles" - Don Ho

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Brother IZ)

"Baybee" - Jay Som

"Make It Better" (feat Smokey

Robinson) - Anderson .Paak

"Glow Like Dat" - Rich Brian

"Just the Way You Are" - Bruno Mars

"Valentine" - Kina Grannis

"My Type" - Saweetie

"Icy Grl" - Saweetie

"Come Down" - Anderson Paak

"Here" - Ruby Ibarra

"Us" (feat. Rocky Rivera, Klassy & Faith Santilla) - Ruby Ibarra

"Washing Machine Heart" - Mitski

"Uptown Funk" (feat Mark Ronson)Bruno Mars

"Good Life" (with Tame Impala) - ZHU

"The Bus Song" - Jay Som

"Everybody Wants to Love You"Japanese Breakfast

"drivers license" - Olivia Rodrigo

"good 4 u" - Olivia Rodrigo

"deja vu" - Olivia Rodrigo

"Slow Dancing in the Dark" - Joji

"Sanctuary" - Joji

"Run" - Joji

"Honey" - Raveena

"If Only" - Raveena

"Temptation" - Raveena

Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Emerging from a musical family background, Mars honed his skills early and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career. He gained prominence with his debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" in 2010, featuring hits like "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade " Known for his dynamic stage presence and ability to blend various genres including R&B, funk, and pop, Mars continued his success with albums like "Unorthodox Jukebox" (2012) and "24K Magic" (2016), earning multiple Grammy Awards and establishing himself as a global superstar

Peggy Gou, born on July 3, 1991, in Incheon, South Kore a prominent DJ, producer, and fashion icon. Raised in Sou Korea and later moving to London and Berlin, she immer herself in the underground music scenes of these cities

Peggy gained international recognition for her eclectic D sets, blending house, techno, and disco with a distinctive style She has released tracks and EPs on labels like Nin Tune and established her own label, Gudu Records, showcasing her versatility and innovative approach to electronic music. Beyond her musical talents, Peggy Gou influence extends into fashion, making her a celebrated figure in both industries worldwide

Brother IZ, born Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was a Hawaiian musician and cultural icon. Known affectionately as "Bruddah IZ," he gained international fame for his soulful voice and ukulele skills, which he used to blend traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary influences His rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" became particularly iconic, showcasing his unique style and heartfelt interpretation Brother IZ's music continues to resonate globally, and he is remembered for his contributions to Hawaiian music and his advocacy for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation until his passing in 1997

Anderson .Paak, born Brandon Paak Anderson on February 8, 1986, in Oxnard, California, is a Grammy-winning singer, rapper, drummer, and producer of African-American and Korean descent Known for his eclectic musical style that blends soul, R&B, hip hop, and funk, Anderson Paak gained recognition with his breakthrough album "Malibu" in 2016 His distinctive voice, energetic live performances, and skillful drumming have garnered widespread acclaim. .Paak's subsequent albums, including "Ventura" (2019) and "Oxnard" (2018), further solidified his reputation as a versatile artist with a unique musical vision Beyond his solo career, he has collaborated with artists like Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and Mac Miller, leaving a significant mark on contemporary music while proudly representing his AfricanAmerican and Korean heritage.