In Chandler, Arizona, the traditions and histories of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are taking center stage this May. According to the City of Chandler, the largest ethnic group in the area will be feted with a series of events and exhibitions. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division of the city is setting the stage with the Asian American Community Connection, where residents can network and hold open dialogues.
Scheduled for April 30, from 4:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Phoenix Palace Restaurant, this event requires registration for participation, according to the city's announcement. The evening promises engagement with Chandler Police, Planning & Zoning, and other key community sectors, but space is limited, and priority will be given to Chandler residents.
Concurrently, Chandler Museum is hosting "Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River," an exhibit running through next January that chronicles the resilience of Japanese Americans interned during World War II. The exhibit, open and free to the public, delves into the concept of 'gaman' – bearing the unbearable – and its relevance to these citizens’ struggles in Arizona's harsh desert climes.
Moreover, the city will pay homage to Vietnam veterans, marking five decades since the Vietnam War's ending with "Freedom, Hope, Future" on April 26. Hosted at Chandler City Hall courtyard, the event combines cultural celebration with veteran acknowledgment, including storytelling sessions and family activities. Attendees interested in immortalizing their narratives are directed to the Chandler Museum's online portal, according to the announcement.
