May has been kicked off again as the month to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage, with Santa Monica Public Library leading the charge. Throughout the month, they're hosting a series of cultural showcases and thought-provoking events aimed to educate and honor the vast and varied contributions AAPI communities have made to American society. On the roster are film screenings, panel discussions, and more—all free to the public.
The library's events spotlight starts off with "We Said No! No!: A Story of Civil Disobedience" on May 11 a film by Brian Tadashi Maeda that examines the civil disobedience of Japanese Americans during World War II. Following the screening, a dialogue with the cast and crew is set to dissect the narrative, reported Santa Monica's official site. Later in the month, on May 25, authors Katie Gee Salisbury and Jeff Yang bring to light the undervalued Asian American icons of Hollywood's yesteryears, with filmmaker Arthur Dong helming the panel discussion.
It isn't just about the screenings and talks. Patrons can explore an entire gamut of material from book lists curated around AAPI history and culture to DVDs seamless for all ages. And for those multilingual bookworms, Spanish translations of works by AAPI authors are also on offer. Just walking into the Main Library should provide a hearty dose of enlightenment with thematic displays laid out.
But it's not alone; the celebration goes beyond the library's walls. The iconic Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier will be decked out in red on May 1—a hue symbolizing good fortune in Chinese culture, to mark the month's significance, as discussed by Santa Monica's blog. As for the art enthusiasts, the bG Gallery hosts "Moon & Stars: Los Angeles Asian Women in Art," showcasing a spectrum of contemporary works till May 27, adding a vibrant artistic layer to the proceedings.
Other happenings tucked into the month's schedule include the rib-tickling "What’s that Emoji?" comedy night on May 3, boasting some of the finest AAPI comics in the biz, and an engaging blend of narrative performances inspired by "The Vagina Monologues" at the Santa Monica Playhouse on May 4. The City Council is also getting into the spirit with the proclamation of AAPI Heritage Month, which will be presented to curator Sung-Hee Son on May 14, a ceremony that anyone with an internet connection can tune into via live stream.
The mélange of events serves not only as entertainment but as a beacon, casting light on stories and achievements that often don't get the spotlight they deserve. It's a month to dive into the deep end of AAPI culture—and in Santa Monica, it seems the pool is as inviting as ever.
