Asian American Pacific Heritage Month 2010

As seen on KMGH - TV 7
May 11, 2010

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Channel 7 May 11, 2010

1. What is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month?
The month recognizes focuses national attention on the concerns, contributions and history of Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Chance to showcase a vibrant and very diverse culture.

2. Why was May chosen?
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks in the west, including my great-grandfather, were Chinese immigrants.

3. When you say Asian-Pacific American, what groups does that term encompass? A rather broad term, Asian-Pacific includes people from the entire Asian continent and the many Pacific islands of Melanesia including Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, Micronesia and Polynesia.

3. How did start?
Like most commemorative months, Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated in a congressional bill. In 1977, a resolution was introduced to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a resolution designating the annual celebration. Twelve years later, President George H.W. Bush signed an extension making the week-long celebration into a month-long celebration.

5. How will it be recognized in Denver?
There are many events, some of which are open and free to the public, as well as ticketed performances. One free event to note is: Asian Roundtable's Asian Pacific Heritage Month Community Celebration. Saturday, May 15, Noon to 3 p.m, Wells Fargo Hershner Room, 1700 Lincoln St., Denver. Includes food and performances.
The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Project kicks off its inaugural tour to educate students across five local elementary schools about AAPI history on May 10. Cultural performances from various countries will take place, Le said, including taiko drumming from local group Mirai Daiko. There will be presentations and teachers will be given weeklong lesson plans focusing on AAPI history. In addition, organizers will hang posters that will stay in the schools throughout May.

For a listing of more events go to the Channel 7 website. (These can be listed on website. List is below.)

6. And like in all cultures, food is always an important part of any celebration.
Today I have brought samples of dishes from an appropriately named cookbook, The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook. The author gathered treasured family recipes from Asian grandmothers of all Asian ethnicities from all over the United States, including two recipes from my 94 year old mom.
Beef, Tomato and Pepper Stir-fry (mom’s)
Steamed Beef Meatballs with Tangerine Peel (mom’s)
Chinese Broccoli in Oyester Sauce
Rice Cooker Casserole (demonstrate)


Cultural Events in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Roundtable's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Community Celebration
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Place: Wells Fargo Hershner Room, 1700 Lincoln St., Denver
Price: Free and open to the public
For more information, call Peggy Yujiri at 303-931-2034 or Lily Shen at 720-256-8888.
11th annual Indian Dance Festival
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, 80219
Cost: $15/preferred seating; $8/general seating; $5/students (with valid ID), children under 10 and senior citizens
Organized by the Kerala Association of Colorado. For more information, go to www.colorkerala.org.
Pan-Asian Events
Asian Student Alliance presents eXpressions
Date: Wednesday, May 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall on the DU campus
Cost: Free and open to the public
2010 Asian-American Heroes of Colorado ceremony and brunch
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Saigon Landing, 6585 Greenwood Village Blvd., Greenwood Village, 80111
Cost: $20
2010 Miss Colorado Asian Pacific American Pageant
Date: Saturday, May 15
Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Place: Lakewood Culture Center, 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, 80226
Price: $20/seniors and students; $25/silver; $50/gold; $100/VIP
For more information, go to www.cocnews.com/misscoloradoasian.
12th annual Asian Model Mother's awards ceremony
Date: Sunday, May 16
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Place: Empress Seafood Restaurant, 2825 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, 80219
Cost: $25/adult; $20/senior
The Denver Chinese Culture Center and CACEN (Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network) will host the 12th Annual Asian Model Mother's Awards Ceremony. Please make reservations with Nai-Li Yee at 303-368-7866.