May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage - AAIP Month | Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu

Celebrate and Learn about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage with Your Family

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander "AAPI" Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, nearby and across the United States.

Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures are so rich in culture and diversity because they are represented in more than 30 countries — including the entire Asian continent and the Pacific Islands — and encompass more than 100 different languages.

The month of May was chosen as AAPI Heritage Month in the United States to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The transcontinental railroad was largely built by Chinese immigrants. Congress officially designated May as Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month in 1992. Read more about Jeanie Jew, a former Capitol Hill staffer; How One Woman's Story Led to the Creation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

This month-long celebration typically featured the diverse contributions and historical achievements of the AAPI community to the United States and in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and nearby through festive celebrations with traditional performances, food, and art.

Your family can learn about, support and celebrate this amazing group of Americans, positive representation and uplifting the voices of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders matter in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, nearby and beyond.

Here are ways you can support and learn about the AAPI community in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, nearby and beyond, while also celebrating their culture and traditions:

Books

Books We Love: Children and Young Adult Books by AAPI Authors

Diversifying your home library is a wonderful way to start conversations with your children about different cultures.

Virtual Storytime

Local Places to learn more about AAPI

USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena
Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles
Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum - PIEAM, Long Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific: Virtual Pacific Islander Festival: June 3-4, 2023 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Visit your local Library in Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park and Oak Park

Support Local restaurants and businesses owned by AAPI

Learn and Visit - Local Museums

The Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles: Macaroni Tip: If you visit I recommend making a day of it and going across the street to Little Tokyo for a meal, a snack and some shopping - if you want to return to the museum as for a hand stamp or return pass.
USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena
Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles
PIEAM - Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, Long Beach
Fowler Museum at UCLA, Los Angeles
Skirball Cultural Center
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, San Marino
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, Pasadena
The Japanese Garden, Van Nuys
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles
Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion Angels Gate Park, San Pedro
Japanese Memorial Terminal Island, San Pedro

Immerse yourself in local Asian Culture

Shopping and Dining Areas not to far from Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles: Little Tokyo is just a short walk from the Metrolink at Union Station if you want to take a break from driving.
Chinatown, Los Angeles
Koreatown, Los Angeles
Beard Papa's: My family discovered this super yummy place when we had to evacuate during the Woolsey Fire and ended up staying in Koreatown, OMG we ate these everyday.
Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles
Thai Town, Los Angeles

Origami

Introduce your kids to Origami - the Japanese art of paper folding:

When I was little my Dad worked in Downtown Los Angeles and sometimes would visit Chinatown or Little Tokyo, one of the thing he would pick up for me was origami paper and books. I loved origami paperfolding and your kids will love it too. I found a few site I think you will enjoy sharing with your kids, of course there is always YouTube, you can find videos to teach you as well.