Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2021

Asian Pacific American Heritage (APAHM) is an annual celebration and recognition of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans and their achievements and contributions throughout U.S. history and to present day.

Throughout the month of May, celebrate APAHM with events and activities across Cincinnati. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Check individual event details for most accurate information.

APAHM Kickoff

May 1
4-8pm
Five Points Alley (2425 Gilbert Ave, 45206)

Join us as we kick off Asian American Pacific Heritage Month. Grab a drink from Comfort Station and meet us at Five Points Alley in historic Walnut Hills for food, music, and community. Music by the Andrew Lin Quartet. Food by Kealoha's Kitchen Food Truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, Asianati/AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G. More details on Facebook

Asian Food Week 2021

May 3-9
Participating Greater Cincinnati Restaurants

Visit participating restaurants May 3rd through May 9th to explore all the culinary offerings Cincinnati has to offer. Restaurants may offer a 3-course “prix fixe” menu for either $20 or $30 and/or a “secret menu item” not typically offered. https://asianati.com/afw

Story Tree Time with the Cincinnati Museum Center

Starting May 5 Online

Bring your little one and join us as we play, dance, sing and listen to a new story every Wednesday (virtually) at 11 a.m. For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we’ll be reading books by Asian-American authors. Available on the Cincinnati Museum Center’s YouTube channel and the Story Tree Time playlist. A new video is released every week.

Inhale/Exhale - Healing after Atlanta and Indianapolis

May 6
7:00-8:30 PM
Online

Join Ohio Voice and OPAWL - Building AAPI Feminist Leadership for a collaborative Inhale/Exhale session open to progressive organizers and activists of all genders who identify as AAPI (Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander). Facebook Event

Sake Tasting with Certified Sake Sommelier (Virtual)

May 7
5-6 PM

Join Certified Sake Sommelier Akisa Fukuzawa on Friday, May 7th, for a virtual event that is certain to put a smile on your face! She will teach us about sake and the culture behind the drink. We will be tasting 3 types of sake - Sparkling (Mio brand), Daiginjo (Dassai brand), and Ginjo (Kikusui brand). This event is 21+. Register here

Opening Reception: Yoshi Nakamura

May 8
Wave Pool Gallery (2940 Colerain Ave)

Japanese artist Yoshi Nakamura has been in residence at Wave Pool since August 2020. Nakamura will be displaying a collaborative exhibition with Mark Harris and Froghole? in Wave Pool's upstairs space and solo exhibitions exploring communication and accessibility at The Welcome Project and Visionaries and Voices. Gallery will have limited attendance to ensure social distancing. Masks required. Facebook Event

Black and Asian Solidarity

May 10
7-9pm
Online

Join Urban Consulate Cincinnati for a virtual salon conversation about transracial identity, solidarity & healing. Featuring a live music performance by Steven Shinji Whipple and interactive dialogue with special guests Sulin Ngo (OPAWL), Angela Jo White (Debatable), and Ronnie Iquina (AACAC and NAAAP). Hosted by Naimah Bilal and Meg Trischler. Presented by Urban Consulate, AACAC, Afrochine, and the Mercantile Library. Register at Urban Consulate

Early Japanese-American Settlers in Cincinnati: Beyond the WWII Incarceration Camps (Webinar)

May 12 6:00-7:15 PM
Online

Join Cincinnati native Denny Kato, born to Japanese-American parents who arrived in Cincinnati after their release from a WWII incarceration camp, as he discusses the lives of early Japanese settlers in Cincinnati and shares his personal story of growing up in Cincinnati during a period when there were very few residents from any Asian country. Register through Japan America Society of Greater Cincinnati

Cincinnati "Unity Against Hate" - We are Cincinnati

May 16
2-4 PM
Fountain Square

Join the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association - Ohio State Chapter invites you to celebrate with the API community. Food and entertainment will be provided. This part of the "Unity Against Hate" national event. Please wear a mask, keep social distance. Facebook Event

Virtual Performance – Kamishibai (Paper Theater)

May 19
4 PM

Join the Cincinnati Public Library for a virtual program to enjoy a vibrant form of storytelling popular in Japan, Kamishibai or “paper-theater.” Part of a long tradition of picture storytelling in Japan, Kamishibai flourished as a street-performance art from the 1920s to the 1950s and has seen a revival in recent years. Presented by the Japan America Society. Register through the Cincinnati Library

Cooking & Conversation: The Truth Behind MSG

May 19
7-8 PM
Online

In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, we are breaking down the stereotypes surrounding MSG (monosodium glutamate). We will learn the art and science of the umami powerhouse, MSG, its craveability and tainted reputation, along with its cultural nuances and link to Asian cuisine. Grace Yek, Program Chair of the Culinary and Food Science program at Cincinnati State, and author of the blog, Our Kitchen Roots, will lead us in conversation as she prepares okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Facebook Event

Virtual Seminar: Home Design Fusion | Asian Influence on Interior Design

May 20 6-7 PM
May 22 11AM-12PM
Online

An engaging and interactive home design workshop focusing on Asia’s influence on interior design, diving into design elements from the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East. Hosted by Kirii Design. Register here

(Not) Knowing Asia: Why Stereotypes Emerge and Persist

May 21
1-2 PM
Online

Join the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library for a critical conversation to learn interesting facts about Asia, and how you can help eliminate stereotypes and contribute to the sense of belonging of Asian Americans in our communities. Presented by Professor Gergana Ivanova, interim director, Asian Studies, University of Cincinnati. Register here

Intro to Japanese Calligraphy Session 1 (Virtual)

May 21
6:30-7:30 PM

Join instructor Emiko Kuisel, a native of Japan and is excited to introduce you to the world of Japanese Calligraphy and brush, ink and paper. Register at JASGC.org

Summer Cinema's Cultural Family Movie Series: Moana

May 26
5-10 PM
Washington Park

Free movie screening at Washington Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on Washington Park's civic lawn. Movie begins at 9pm. Drinks and alcohol available at The Porch. Food available for purchase from S.E.A. Cuisine. Join us from 7-8 PM for a pre-film discussion. Presented by 3CDC, Keng Enterprises, and AACAC. Facebook Event

Origami for Kids (Virtual)

May 28
4 PM

In this workshop presented by Teruko Nesbitt, kids will learn how to make one or more easy origami designs using basic materials commonly found at home including paper (printer paper or newspaper) and scissors. Event Info

APAHM Closing Celebration

May 30
4-8 PM
Five Points Alley (2425 Gilbert Ave, 45206)

Music by Daybreaker Trio. Food by Mahope food truck. Brought to you by Cincy Nice, AACAC, and Afrochine. Sponsored by P&G. More details on Facebook

Want to submit an event to this list? Email Asianati with your event information.