May is Asian American / Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. To celebrate their beautiful and unique heritage, stories and contributions to the country, visit one of these fun and educational events.
May 11
Ukulele and Polynesian Dancers
Mercer County Library Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Lawrenceville
Listen to Ukulads and Ukuladies Band of New Jersey play traditional songs and enjoy the performance of the Tehani Mid-East and Polynesian Dance troupe.
May 13
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Fort Lee High School, Fort Lee
The event will tell the story of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) journalists, entrepreneurs, elected leaders, teachers, doctors and hard-working families from all across the Garden State. The keynote speaker is Arvin Amatorio, mayor of Bergenfield. Emmy-award winning broadcaster, journalism educator and host of Asian American Life, Ernabel Demillo, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. There will be cultural performances from the Philippines, South Korea and South Asia presented by the Filipino School of N.Y. and N.J.; K-MZ, a K-pop music group; and Kulture Kool, an Indian performing arts group.
May 16
Asian American Snack Tasting
Hickory Corner Library Branch, East Windsor
Kids can taste various Asian American snacks during this afternoon program.
May 20
AAPI 5K Run & Walk
Carnegie Center, Princeton
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture, this 5K run and walk for the family will be followed with exhibitions, performances, traditional music and folk dancing.
May 21
Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance
Edgemont Memorial Park, Montclair
Join AAPI Montclair to illuminate the park with thousands of paper lanterns. There will be a short program featuring speakers, performances, live music, food trucks, community partner tables, activities for children, and the opportunity to dedicate luminaries with your own special message.
May 22
“A Hyphenated Spirit” : Ethnic Prejudice and Japanese American Incarceration during WWII
Virtual, courtesy of the Mercer County Library System
A 1983 Congressional Blue-Ribbon Commission declared that the incarceration of Japanese American citizens during the Pacific War had been a grave injustice caused by prejudice. It resulted in the relocation of 117,000 people, including 70,000 U.S. citizens, based solely on their ethnic heritage. This talk will investigate the history behind why the U.S. population in 1942 was willing to accept that individuals of Japanese descent had a “hyphenated spirit” and should be denied their civil rights.
May 22 and 23
Crafternoon: Paper Lei
Hopewell Library Branch, Hopewell
Kids can make a paper lei to wear as a beautiful necklace.
May 23
Amplifying Asian American and Pacific Islander History
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
You will explore the influences and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in U.S. history from the 19th through mid-20th centuries.
May 27
AAPI Day
Big SNOW American Dream, East Rutherfod
The indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard center will have its first-ever Ride Night for guests looking to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. Asian American DJ Jay Jung will be on the 1s and 2s at night. Aside from live music, you can also expect a fun photo opp spot set up on the snow with a giant 12-foot beach ball.
May 30
“Who Killed Vincent Chin?”
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
A screening of the award-winning 1987 documentary is followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Christine Choy.
Read More:
Free Things to Do in NJ During May
The Best Fairs and Festivals in NJ in May
