Chandler is prepping to pay tribute to its Asian American and Pacific Islander residents during the month of May, setting the stage for a series of celebrations and educational initiatives. In the spirit of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a slew of events aims to spotlight the valuable contributions and rich cultural tapestry the AAPI community brings to the city's diversity, according to City of Chandler, Arizona.

One marquee gathering, the Asian American Community Connection, offers locals a chance to network and engage with AAPI organizations at the Phoenix Palace Restaurant on May 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free to the public but with registration required, these eager attendees can look forward to an evening of conversation and community-building. 

Chandler isn't just about talk — it's also walking the walk. The city's young folk, specifically teens aged 13 to 17, are set for a deep-dive into AAPI culture with the AANHPI Heritage Celebration at Hamilton Library on May 10, as per the City of Chandler, Arizona. Prepped by numerous student clubs at Hamilton High, this get-together promises performances, games, crafts, and even karaoke, designed to mirror the vibrancy of AAPI traditions.

But wait, there's more. For those whose style is less party and more pensive, the Chandler Museum has got you covered with a visually arresting poster exhibit "I Want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story." Running until May 26, this story of Asian Americans is told in bold colors and sweeping narratives, threading through the earliest immigrants to the latest tech whizzes. As the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center put them together, visitors don't even have to dip into their wallets — admission to the museum, located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, is zero dollars and zero cents.

For anyone seeking to enrich their understanding, or just to show their support, this month in Chandler is shaping up to be an invaluable window into the AAPI community’s past and present. More details can easily be dug up by ringing up Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division at 480-782-2224.