May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and let me tell you, it's a time to celebrate some seriously awesome cultures, food (hello, dumplings!), and traditions. But with busy schedules and teammates from all over the world, face-to-face gatherings may not be your thing.
That's where virtual events come in! They're a fantastic way to explore AAPI heritage from the comfort of your couch (in your PJs, if that's your vibe). Plus, you get to learn something new, unleash your inner crafter, and maybe even impress your friends with some newfound skills.
Why Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month?
The AAPI community is a beautiful mix of people from all over Asia and the Pacific Islands. Each group has its own unique stories, languages, and ways of doing things. Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month is like throwing a giant party for all that awesomeness! It helps us appreciate the incredible diversity within the AAPI community and the positive impact they've had on the US.
Think about it this way: Have you ever devoured a plate of pad thai or gotten lost in a good anime movie? Yep, those are just a couple of examples of how AAPI cultures have influenced our everyday lives.
Top 6 Fun (and Easy!) Virtual Events for AAPI Heritage Month
To help you celebrate, we've put together a list of the top 6 fun virtual events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. These events are sure to bring some excitement and cultural appreciation to your month!
Henna and Culture: Remember those intricate henna designs you saw on Beyoncé at Coachella? You can learn how to create them yourself (or at least get pretty close) in our Henna and Culture virtual workshop. Bonus points you can also learn the rich history of henna straight from our instructor from India!
Sushi Making: Calling all foodies! This virtual workshop will turn you from takeout addict to sushi master (well, almost). Learn how to cook the perfect rice, choose the freshest ingredients, and roll those seaweed sheets like a pro. Warning: May result in serious sushi cravings!
Bubble Tea Making: Beat the heat and unleash your inner bobarista with a virtual bubble tea workshop! Learn how to combine your favorite flavors, adjust the sweetness level, and maybe even create your own signature boba concoction.
Cocktail & Mocktail Making: Join our interactive virtual mixology workshop and learn the secrets behind crafting delicious tropical cocktails and mocktails. Explore the unique flavors of Hawaii with fresh pineapple, creamy coconut, and vibrant hibiscus, and mango. Creating drinks that are as beautiful as they are refreshing.
Suminagashi: Ever seen those mesmerizing marbled patterns on paper? That's Suminagashi, a traditional Japanese art form you can master virtually! All you need is a little ink, water, and a sense of creative freedom.
Filipino-Inspired Chocolate Truffle: Take your taste buds on a trip to the Philippines! Craft melt-in-your-mouth truffles with our DIY kit, featuring Filipino-inspired flavors like toasted ube coconut and dried mango. This hands-on experience lets you explore unique ingredients and truffle-making techniques.
Beyond Virtual Events: Supporting AAPI Heritage Month All Year Round
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month goes beyond virtual workshops (although those are fun!). Here are some ways you can show your support all year long:
Explore AAPI Cuisine: Take a trip to your local Chinatown, Koreatown, or Little Saigon. Support local AAPI restaurants or try recreating traditional dishes at home. There's a whole world of flavors waiting to be discovered!
Read Books by AAPI Authors: Dive into the rich literary landscape of AAPI voices. Explore fiction, non-fiction, or poetry by AAPI authors and broaden your perspective. Visit your local library or bookstore and ask for recommendations!
Amplify AAPI Voices: Social media is a powerful tool. Follow AAPI influencers, businesses, and organizations you care about. Share their content and spread the word about their work.
Donate to AAPI Organizations: Numerous organizations work towards empowering AAPI communities. Consider donating your time or resources to a cause you care about. Research different organizations and find one whose mission resonates with you.
Support AAPI-Owned Businesses: Put your money where your mouth is! Seek out and support AAPI-owned businesses in your community, whether it's a local restaurant, clothing store, or online shop. Every purchase you make helps empower AAPI entrepreneurs and strengthens the community.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month is a journey, not a destination.
By participating in virtual events, exploring AAPI cultures, and amplifying AAPI voices, we can create a more inclusive and appreciative society. So, let's get out there (virtually or in person) and celebrate the incredible diversity of the AAPI community!
Looking to explore AAPI flavors in a fun and interactive way?
Kits by Food Craft, an AAPI woman-owned small business with a global heart, offers curated food and craft experiences delivered straight to your door! We believe in creating joy & connection through shared experiences, and that extends to fostering cultural awareness through food and art.
Here's how you can embrace the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month with Kits by Food Craft:
Book a Virtual AAPI Culture Workshop: Engage your team remotely or gather loved ones for a unique cultural experience. Our interactive workshops combine crafting with insightful explorations of AAPI cultures – a delicious recipe for connection and learning!
Sign up for our newsletter: Be part of our community and receive early announcements and invite to upcoming community events.
I love celebrating AAPI Heritage Month! This is a good read too!