AAPI Heritage Month
Every May, we celebrate and honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established the first 10 days of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. These dates were chosen to coincide with two milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers in the building of the transcontinental railroad, which was completed May 10, 1869.
In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a monthlong celebration, now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Find out more about AAPI Heritage Month here.
Discover AAPI Events
In honor of AAPI Month this year, we're highlighting AAPI communities and events accessible by AC Transit bus. Explore the cultural richness and significance of these destinations as America recognizes our diverse AAPI communities.
Oakland Chinatown
Location: 7th St. to 12th St. between Broadway to Jackson St., Oakland
Bus lines: 1T, 12, 18, 19, 20, 33, 40, 51A, 62, 72, 72M, 72R, 88, 96
Oakland Chinatown, dating back to the 1850s, is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. Dive into its rich culture by visiting the many restaurants, markets, and stores representing the heritage of diverse Asian cultures. The Oakland Public Library's Asian Branch at 388 Ninth Street offers literature in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, and an auditorium for cultural and community events. The library also features an English-language Asian Interest Collection covering topics from heritage and culture to the Asian American experience and immigrant history.
Oakland Museum of California
Location: 1000 Oak St., Oakland
Bus lines: 1T, 18, 29, 33, 40, 62, 88, or 96 __________________________________________________________
Visit the Oakland Museum (OMCA) to learn about Asian American history, and view Asian and Asian American art. OMCA has an ongoing exhibit of California history, including pictures and artifacts documenting Chinese railroad workers and their lives in the late 1800s, and the Japanese-American internment during World War II. Currently, OMCA is exhibiting the paintings of the late Oakland artist Hung Liu, whose work explored the themes of the immigrant experience and American culture.
CAAMFest
Date: May 9-19
Location: Various SF and Oakland theaters
The New Parkway Theater: 474 24th St, Oakland
Bus lines: 6, 51A
San Francisco venues can be reached by Transbay bus or transferring from bus to BART or Muni.
CAAMFest, formerly known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, is presented by the Center for Asian American Media. This festival showcases a diverse array of new Asian American and Asian films, along with food and music programs, across Oakland and San Francisco during May. It often serves as a platform for emerging Asian American independent filmmakers and highlights upcoming Asian cinema.