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Asian Pacific American Heritage : Home

MC Library's guide for Asian Pacific American heritage

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Montgomery College Library is proud to join in the celebration of the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans throughout history. This guide is dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage. Here, you will learn about Asian Pacific American history, stories, and receive several book and video recommendations. You will also find helpful research databases and resources from MC, as well as local, and national sources, all dedicated to Asian Pacific Americans.

Understanding Why Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is Celebrated

Historical Asian Pacific American Heritage Images

Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California

Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California

Source: Skillman, Amy E. Obon Festival, Senshin Gakuin and the Dharma School of the Senshin Buddhist Church of Los Angeles, California. United States California Los Angeles, 1982. Los Angeles, California. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc1993001_as_03/.

Google Arts & Culture | Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Events

Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond 

"Highlights the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural terrain of Washington, D.C. Presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, the exhibition is on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum."

Date: September 7th, 2024 - November 30th, 2025

Time: Monday - Sunday from 11:30am - 7pm

Location: 
Smithsonian American Art Museum 
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20004

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AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 2025

"As a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) and Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) invites you and your whole family to our fourth-annual AAPI Heritage Month Celebration! Join us for captivating cultural performances, discover resources in the AAPI community, participate in our health fair, kid-friendly activities, and explore the rich cultures of our diverse community!"

Date: Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Time: 11am - 4pm

Location: 
Seneca Valley High School
19401 Crystal Rock Drive,
Germantown, MD 20874

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AANHPI Heritage Month Kick-Off Event

Join us as we kick off AANHPI Heritage Month this May with a festive celebration! Enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Come celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant traditions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Date: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Time: 11am - 2:30pm

Location: 
Rockville Campus
Theatre Arts (TA) Arena 

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Fireside Chat Career Series: Radical Hope Innovators and Trailblazers in the AANHPI Community

Join us for an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) panel session. Hear the inspiring stories of these AANHPI professionals who are enhancing their fields. 

This is a hybrid event and dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.

Date: Monday, May 5th, 2025

Time: 6pm - 8pm
6pm: Dinner for in-person guests
6:30pm - 8pm: Presentation

Location: 
ignITe Hub
Montgomery College
MK 107 

Registration Required 

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Asian Cultural Crafts - Origami

Join us for a hands-on cultural event celebrating the art of origami—the traditional Japanese craft of paper folding.

Participants will explore the creativity of origami by learning to fold decorative paper flowers. Whether you're new to origami or already experienced, this event offers a fun and relaxing way to engage with a meaningful cultural tradition.

Date: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

Time: 11am - 12:30pm

Location: Rockville Campus, Student Services (SV) Atrium

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TaijiFit by MC Wellness

TaijiFit is a mind/body “exercise” that combines the best of traditional Taiji (Tai Chi) and QiGong movements, combined with modern music and easy instruction. It’s a workout appropriate for any age or fitness level that has you experiencing the FLOW (Tai Chi done smoothly, continuously and effortlessly connecting Body, Mind and Spirit) whether it’s your first class or 100th. There are no routines to learn, or set choreography to remember. You'll discover how to use TaijiFit for better balance, pain reduction and heart health. It’s more than just an exercise. It is also a moving meditation, a shield against disease, and a beautiful sensual dance that can make you sweat and smile at the same time.

Date: Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Time: 2pm - 3pm

Location: Rockville Campus, Student Services Building (SV) 417

About These Guides

Each year, Montgomery College's Board of Trustees designates national and state of Maryland awareness days and months for MC to celebrate. To acknowledge and celebrate diversity, MC Library creates online guides and library displays for each awareness day or month designated by the Board.

More Events and Special Topics Guides

Want to learn more? View our other events and special topics guides:

MC Library Events and Special Topics Guides