AAPI Heritage Month is HERE!
Asianati Staff
Apr 30, 2022
May is AAPI Heritage Month and we are here for it!
There are over two dozen events hosted by Cincinnati-area AAPI groups, businesses, organizations, and non-profits. Some of the events we are looking forward to:
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff Party*
April 30 | 4 - 8 PM ET | Esoteric Brewery
Celebrate the beginning of AAPI Heritage Month with music, drinks from Esoteric, Cincinnati’s only Black & Asian owned brewery, Korean fried chicken from Decibel, and the launch of “Where Are You Really From?”, a zine about the AAPI experience in the Midwest. Kids’ activities, including a DIY zine making station, music by DJ Druskii, and a Tai Chi demonstration for World Tai Chi Day. Stick around for a karaoke after party hosted by Esoteric.
An Evening with Simon Tam & The Slants
May 4 | 6 PM ET | Joy and Matt’s Books
Joy and Matt's Books is thrilled to welcome Simon Tam author of Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court — the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he’s willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. Simon reveals a deeply personal account that will take you from anime conventions to the Supreme Court, all in the name of justice. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.
Oriental Wok + Rhinegeist “WokStar” Collaboration Beer First Tap*
May 4 | 4 - 6 PM ET | Hyde Park Oriental Wok and Ft. Mitchell Oriental Wok
Join the celebration at Oriental Wok for a special sneak peak of their new beer called “WokStar”, a collaboration beer developed by Oriental Wok and Rhinegeist brewery. Appetizers will be served as you enjoy the first tastes in the city of this new brew.
Asian Food Fest*
May 7 - 8 | Court Street, Downtown Cincinnati
The 11th annual Asian Food Fest is the banner event for AAPI Heritage Month and the first major Cincinnati food festival scheduled for 2022. This vibrant community festival celebrates culture and cuisine from Asian and Pacific Island countries including Cambodia, China, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. While food is definitely the heart of this festival, the event also features live entertainment, local craft and Asian beer, fun family activities, and more.
AAPI Heritage Celebration Gala
May 14 | 5 - 9 PM ET | Memorial Hall
Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is proud to host Ohio’s first ever AAPI Heritage Celebration and Award Gala. The gala will provide an opportunity for the local community to unite with lively music, dance performances, recognition of AAPI contributions, and appreciation of diversity. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval will deliver the keynote speech, accompanied by other speakers including Oxford Vice Mayor Dr. Chantel Raghu, Fifth Third Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Stephanie A. Smith, and U.S. veteran and professional coach Roy Nickerson. Music and dance performances begin at 5pm, and the gala and speeches begin at 6:30.
Nature Origami*
May 19 | 7 PM ET | Sharon Woods
Explore the fascinating history of origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) and a nature interpreter will bring together the cultural significance of a skilled art form and share information about local wildlife from Ohio. Each participant will meet live animals, then try their hands at creating each animal as origami.
An Evening with Toko Shiiki and Erik Santos
May 25 | 6 PM ET | Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church
The Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati (JASGC) will be hosting a screening of A Thousand Pebbles on the Ground, a short film by Japanese Filmmaker Toko Shiiki. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with Ms. Shiki. The event will also feature live music by Erik Santos, who recently received the title of “The Philippine Composer of the Century.”
AAPI Creatives Round Table
May 26 | 6 PM ET | Art Academy of Cincinnati
Join us for a conversation about AAPI creativity in Cincinnati. Though our city is known for its creative industries and arts scene, representation of the AAPI community is still relatively invisible. Panelists include Simon Tam of the band The Slants and founder of the Slants Foundation, Jay B. Kalagayan, creator and writer of MeSseD Comics, and Emily Hanako Momohara, visual artist and documentary filmmaker. Learn about projects going on in our city and the ways in which AAPI creatives are uplifting our voices and pushing our city toward an inclusive artistic culture.
*child and inner-child friendly!