May is AAPI Heritage Month, and DML is offering programs that will educate, entertain, and engage. Within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, there are approximately 50 ethnic groups who speak over 100 languages that comprise the world’s AAPI population. In the United States, AAPI makes up the fastest growing population.
In 1978, President Carter began a week-long celebration during the first week of May. Observance was expanded to the entire month in 1990, and in 1992, a law passed designating the month of May as AAPI Heritage Month.
May is symbolic for two reasons: it commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese to arrive in the United States in 1843, and it marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869. Despite the discrimination and racism they faced, a majority of the workers who laid tracks were Chinese immigrants – 15,000-20,000 in fact.
This hands-on workshop will involve step-by-step painting instruction using an ink and wash technique with Dr. Yufeng Wang, a professor and award-winning artist in Dayton.
The Wadaiko Gouken Troupe from Cincinnati will perform a traditional Japanese art form that is over 2,000 years old. The music is loud and intense with sounds designed to mimic thunder with a strictly choreographed performance.
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This award-winning Vietnamese writer, journalist, and finalist of the 2021 Dayton Literary Peace Prize for her debut and first novel in English, The Mountains Sing, will discuss her literary works and other books. She’ll share thoughts on her passion for literary exchanges that foster peace.
Tai Chi, when practiced regularly, can help you reduce stress and anxiety. Debra Leonard, a senior trainer and instructor, will conduct this hour and a half long class and will teach basic moves.
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Bring a garment to use traditional Japanese shibori tie dye techniques to turn it into a wearable work of art. (Dying portion held outdoors, weather permitting.)
Wang's semi-autobiographical third picture book titled Watercress was released in March 2021 from Neal Porter Books/Holiday House and was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. Between the age of two and middle school, Wang and her family lived in Yellow Springs.
Join Olohana's Polynesian Dance for an afternoon of island fun. Fill your heart and mind with Aloha! Learn what the Aloha Spirit is and the basic steps of hula dance. This program will be held outside weather permitting.
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Dayton Metro Library is offering a free ongoing Social Justice Speaker Series beginning in May, incorporating two special programs related to AAPI Heritage Month. In June, a third Speaker Series program will be offered that reflects PRIDE Month. July will feature a panel of first-time area writers whose goals are to inspire children and youth from diverse backgrounds.
