Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Dear Prince Georgians,
Today marks the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Every year during the month of May, the nation joins together to recognize and celebrate the many contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made to our society and our nation. We are so proud of the rich culture and diversity of our community, and we are excited to take this opportunity to celebrate with each other.
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) has named this year’s theme for AAPI Heritage Month as “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration.” This theme is a continuation of the “Advancing Leaders” theme series which began in 2021 and will continue until 2024 in an effort to highlight FAPAC’s efforts in advancing leaders in the federal government and local governments across the country.
Throughout the entire month, Prince George’s County will host celebrations and events in recognition of AAPI Heritage Month. There will be opportunities for the entire family to commemorate the rich culture and heritage of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. You will find more information about events happening throughout the County below, and I encourage you and your family to celebrate with us this month.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Author Visit: Patti Kim
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host author Patti Kim on Tuesday, May 17, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Laurel Branch Library. Author Kim will discuss what it was like growing up in America as an immigrant from Pusan, South Korea and how her childhood shaped her middle grade novels, "I'm OK" and "It's Girls Like You, Mickey." Register to attend the discussion with author Kim on the PGCMLS website here.
Dr. Julie Park: Asian Americans and the Model Minority Myth
 Join the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and Dr. Julie Park, Director of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, on Tuesday, May 10, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Dr. Park will discuss the origins of the model minority myth, how it is perpetuated today, and how this myth masks the diversity and needs of the Asian and Pacific American community. To register to attend the event, visit the PGCMLS website here.
PGCMLS Book Discussion:
"Gay Crow: A Memoir"
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is hosting a discussion with author Vishwas Pethe on Tuesday, May 31, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Greenbelt Branch Library. Author Pethe will discuss his memoir "Gay Crow: A Memoir." To register to attend the discussion, visit the PGCMLS website here.
AAPI Heritage Month Reception and Fest
 The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County invites residents of all ages to join in this year’s celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month on Friday, May 6, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Newton White Mansion. M-NCPPC will host a collection of live dance, music, and martial arts performances celebrating the diverse heritage and unique contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. The reception will feature performances by Washington Samulnori, Teen World Dancers, Somapa Thai Dance Company, Meki’s Tamure Polynesian Arts Group, Tai Yim Kung Fu School, and more! To register to attend this free event, call 301-249-2004.
M-NCPPC will also celebrate the history, culture, music, food, and customs of the Pacific Islands and the continent of Asia through activities, music, games, crafts, contests, and demonstrations at the Heritage Fest on Saturday, May 7, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex. The fest will feature a performance by Meki’s Tamure Polynesian Arts Group. To reserve a ticket for the event, visit the M-NCPPC website here.
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