In Boston, this past month has been marked with particular poignancy and purpose as the city celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with activities that stretched beyond simple acknowledgment, deeply into the realm of giving and education. The Lingzi Foundation, named for Lu Lingzi, a Boston University graduate student who tragically lost her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, has been pivotal in this engagement, as reported by the City's official website.
Through a union of storytelling and a communal spirit of literacy, ReadBoston teamed up with the Boston Police Department to host events at various public schools. The aim was to foster moments where children could connect with AAPI narratives, and the officers who volunteered represented that rich legacy. Seven Asian American officers read to the students, exemplifying the diverse tapestry of the AAPI community within the very forces that protect them. Superintendent Jimmy Chin, Officer May Chen, Officer Will Chen, Officer Lawrence Li, Lieutenant Detective Stephen Moy, Officer Kat Shea, Sergeant Detective Joey Tse, and Officer Lauren Woods shared this moment, their presence a narrative itself.
The book at the center of these events was 'Watercress' by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin. Its selection as an informal favorite was no coincidence, stemming from both its literary acclaim and the resonance it holds within the community it reflects. Each student participating in these readings not only engaged with the story during the events but was also given their own copy to take home, expanding their libraries and perhaps starting a new chapter of AAPI appreciation in their homes.
Not only did these sessions open up worlds hidden within pages, but they also introduced the kids to Boston Saves, the city's children's savings account program. Additionally, a small but meaningful token from the BPD—stickers and bookmarks carrying the badge of safety and service—was handed out. Officer Lauren Woods, a board member of the Lingzi Foundation, astutely planned and recruited for these events, fortifying the partnership between the community and the police in a celebration of culture and education. Meanwhile, the Lingzi Foundation continues its mission to foster ambition and dreams within the youth, much like Lingzi herself exemplified with her "positive spirit, unparalleled work ethic, perseverance, and humanism," as reported by the city's official website.
