AIISF Newsletter / May 2021
A Message From AIISF’s Executive Director
For those of us who are of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage, we often look forward to the month of May when we recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). In light of the growing racism, xenophobia, and ongoing attacks against these communities, this year it feels even more important to lift up Asian and Pacific Islander histories, stories, and experiences. I’m honored to have been invited by the American Alliance of Museums (the nation’s largest organization representing the museum sector) to write an article on this topic.
This month, we are excited to share that Angel Island is now included on Google Arts and Culture which includes over 2,000 museums and archives from around the world. We have several virtual programs taking place throughout the month, including a May 8 panel with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the National Park Service, and the US HHS Office of Minority Health. We are also launching our Author Spotlight program, kicking off on May 13 with AIISF Board Member and MSNBC anchor Richard Lui who recently released ENOUGH ABOUT ME: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness.
Like other nonprofit organizations, we rely on public donations and grant funding to continue our important work. We hope that you will consider joining us for our two VIP in-your-home dining fundraisers: Dumplings and Drinks on May 27 and Sushi and Sake on June 1. If you are unable to join us for these events, another way to help support AIISF is via the Give In May campaign.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and safe APAHM!
Edward Tepporn
AIISF Executive Director
AIISF Debuts on Google Arts and Culture
With Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month upon us, Google Arts & Culture has partnered with 48 cultural institutions and experts of Asian American and Pacific Islander (API) cultures to celebrate and launch a new hub dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. This builds on Google's work with partners including the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Center for Asian American Media, Museum of Chinese in America, and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
With new partners including Visual Communications, Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, the site includes over 110 stories and thousands of cultural artifacts, archives, and artworks — all available in one place. Now, everyone will be able to learn more about API cultures in the US and how their contributions shaped the economical, political and cultural life of the country.
In addition to the Angel Island Immigration Station's page on the site, there are two new digital exhibits to explore.
Upcoming Events
Angel Island: More Important to Remember Now Than Ever
This virtual event will highlight historical immigration through Angel Island, the monumental effort to preserve and protect the site, and the importance of remembering the site’s significance in American and Asian American history.
Thu. May 6, 2021, at 5 pm (PT)
FREE EVENT, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Register Here
Past and Present: Addressing Racism and Intolerance Against Asian Americans Virtual Panel
Sat, May 8, 2021, at 5 pm (PT)
Watch Here
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (HHS/OMH), the National Park Service (NPS), and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) will host a 90-minute virtual panel to discuss how they are working to support Asian American and Pacific Islander communities by addressing racism and health inequities.
Author Spotlight with Richard Lui
The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation will be hosting an evening with MSNBC Anchor and Journalist, Richard Lui, as he discusses his new book ENOUGH ABOUT ME: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness.
Thu. May 13, 2021, at 5 pm (PT)
FREE / $50 for event & book
Register Here
Watch a special Asian Pacific American Heritage Month message from Richard here.
AIISF’s VIP In-Home Dining Experiences
Partner Events
Virtual Grand Opening of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Thu, May 6, 2021, at 5 pm (PT)
Register Here
May 6, 1942 life changed forever when Portland's Japantown disappeared. Today, JAMO welcomes you to their permanent home as they remember and celebrate their presence in the heart of Portland.
CAAMFEST 2021
May 13 - 23, 2021
Click here for tickets
AIISF is co-presenting two film shorts programs for CAAMFEST this year. The films are available on-demand through their website.
Food brings families and communities together. AT THE DINNER TABLE showcases the power of food in our lives, from stories about restaurants impacted by the pandemic to stories from the dinner table where loved ones connect.
The second program is entitled LIFE, INTERRUPTED. It features stories that highlight different issues and topics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and how protagonists learn to live a life interrupted.