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AAPI History
- The month was the brainchild of Jeanie Jew, a former Capitol Hill staffer, who shared the idea with Rep. Frank Horton
- In 1977, Horton introduced a resolution that would establish Pacific/ Asian American Heritage Week.
- President Jimmy Carter signed the resolution in October of 1978.
- Congress later passed legislation to extend the observance to a month in 1990.
- In 1992, Congress passed another public law to annually designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
https://www.npr.org/2022/05/02/1095812576/aapi-asian-pacific-heritage-month-origin-may-why
Why May?
- The legislation to annually designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month referenced two key dates: May 7 and May 10.
- May 7, 1843, marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States.
- May 10, 1869, or Golden Spike Day, recognizes the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., which had significant contributions from Chinese workers.
https://www.npr.org/2022/05/02/1095812576/aapi-asian-pacific-heritage-month-origin-may-why
AAPI Today
- National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated each May to honor the contributions and culture of AAPI communities.
- In Atlanta and its surrounding areas, several events are planned for May 2025
AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations
1. Children's Museum of Atlanta
Throughout May, the Children's Museum of Atlanta offers educational programs highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders in science, art, and innovation. Activities include:
- Storytimes: Interactive sessions featuring books like "Fly, Girl, Fly!" by Nancy Roe Pimm and "Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon" by Ying Chang Compestine.Children's Museum of Atlanta
- Innovation Station: Hands-on projects such as building skyscrapers inspired by architect Fazlur Rahman Khan.Children's Museum of Atlanta+1Atlanta Parent+1
- Science Bar: Experiments like creating bath bombs, honoring Hawaiian Professor Dr. Michael Spencer.Children's Museum of Atlanta+1Atlanta Parent+1
- Art Studio: Crafting octopus-like creatures inspired by Indonesian artist Mulyana's crocheted coral reefs.Children's Museum of Atlanta
These activities are included with general admission. Children's Museum of Atlanta
AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations
2. Suwanee Town Center
- On May 10, 2025, Suwanee Town Center hosts a family-friendly event celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. The celebration includes cultural performances featuring traditional costumes, music, food, and more.
https://www.suwanee.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3033/86
AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations
3. NAAAP Spring Social
- On May 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM, the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Atlanta chapter hosts a Spring Social mixer at Chattahoochee Food Works. This event provides networking opportunities for AANHPI professionals in the area.
https://atl.naaap.org/event/spring-social-cfc-fundraiser-kickoff-subject-to-change/
AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations
4. Gwinnett County Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration
- Gwinnett County commemorates AAPI Heritage Month with a cultural night on May 30, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.
- The event features music, food, dance, and community activities, honoring the national theme of "Choosing Humanity."
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Gwinnett | Gwinnett County
AAPI Heritage Month Celebrations
5. University of North Georgia
- University of North Georgia will host multiple cultural celebrations as part of AAPI month during April and May.
- The AAPI Art Exhibition will be held April 28-May 30 at the Atrium Gallery, Gainesville Arts and Technology Building.
https://ung.edu/news/articles/2025/03/aapi-heritage-month-honors-asian-cultures.php
AAPI-Owned Restaurants To Support In Atlanta
Lazy Betty, offers two dining options: a multi-course dining experience in the dining room, and an a la carte Bar Menu,
Get all the details on their website, here! Address: 999 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Ga
Monkey 68 offers an extensive menu of sushi and small plates.
For more details, check out their website here! Address: 1073 Green St, Roswell, GA 30075
Sweet Auburn BBQ offers southern bbq with an Asian twist.
For more information, check out their website here! Address: 656 N. Highland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Kamayan ATLoffers a delicious menu of Filipino comfort food.
For more information, check out their website here! Address: 5150 Buford Highway NE, Doraville, GA 30340
Tum Pok Pok is a Buford Highway hotspot offering Thai street food.
Check out their website here for more information! Address: 5000 Buford Hwy NE, Chamblee, GA 30341
Budi’s Sushi offers sushi. Learn more on their website here! Address: 349 Decatur St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Poor Calvin’s offers Asian infused food with a Southern twist.
Learn more at their website here! Address: 510 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30308
https://secretatlanta.co/aapi-owned-restaurants-atlanta/
AAPI-Owned Restaurants To Support In Atlanta
Masterpiece specializes in authentic Sichuan and Hunan dishes.
And for all the details, check out their website here! Address: 3940 Buford Hwy B103, Duluth, GA 30096
Ton Ton Ramen offers ramen and Japanese bites.
Read all about Ton Ton at their website, here! Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Estrellita is a Filipino Michelin Recommended restaurants in Atlanta.
Learn more on their website here! Address: 580 Woodward Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312
Momonoki is a counter service Japanese restaurant that focuses on casual comfort food from Japan.
Learn more at their website here! Address: 95 8th St NW Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30309
Ruby Chow offers steamed buns and noodle dishes.
For more information, check out their website here! Address: 620 Glen Iris Dr NE Unit C-1, 30308
Ming’s Barbeque boasts meat, fried-noodle & vegetarian options, all inspired by Cantonese BBQ
Get more info by checking out their website here! 5150 Buford Hwy NE Ste C300, Doraville, GA 30340
Le Fat offers Vietnamese cuisine. Check out their website here! Address: 935 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318