Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month – this month there are several free and low cost opportunities to learn about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history and culture in our region. Join Westside’s Roseanne Lorenzana at some of these events.
“Volunteering for Empire”
Sat 5/7, 3:00PM (free, includes admission to the museum)
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Presentation and discussion centered on the memorial plaque located in Volunteer Park and was recently removed due to concerns about its accuracy. University of Washington Department of History professors Vicente Rafael and Ileana Rodriguez-Silva will discuss the wars and their connection to Volunteer Park in a panel moderated by Professor Christoph Giebel of the Jackson School of International Studies. Register here – @volparktrust.
“Ma And Me”
Mon 5/16, 7 – 8 p.m. (free)
Seattle Central Library
Meet Putsata Reang and Susan Lieu in a conversation about Reang’s new memoir, which explores inherited trauma and the crushing weight of cultural and filial duty. Register here – @SPL
“Mostly True Stories of Filipino Seattle”
Wed 5/18, 7:30pm, Town Hall Seattle
The greater Seattle area is home to the fifth-largest Filipino American population in the U.S. Award-winning author Peter Bacho shares stories in a tribute to Filipino Seattle and the people who contributed to Pacific Northwest culture, arts, business, and politics, while also offering a glimpse into the national Asian American experience. Tickets here – @TownHall
“Understanding History: In the Shadows of Colonialism with Professor Tracy Lai”
Seattle Channel, 59 minutes (free)
The Understanding History series begins with an introductory overview by Professor Tracy Lai, tenured historian at Seattle Central College. This talk is intended to reveal patterns of war and conquest that shape immigration, economic relationships, culture, and political power. Watch here – @SeattleChannel
“Understanding History: Why We are Here”
Thurs 5/26, 7:00PM
Wing Luke Museum
An exploration of regional history and colonialism with personal stories from the early AANH/PI communities – panelists who trace their ancestry back to the 1800s and early 1900s – on the theme “why we are here.” Through these personal narratives, we can better understand both the contributions of AANH/PI labor and intellect, as well as the roots of racism that still impact us today. Tickets here – @WingLuke
“No-No Boy” by John Okada
It tells the story of a Japanese-American in the aftermath of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Set in Seattle, Washington, in 1946, the novel is written in the voice of an omniscient narrator who frequently blends into the voice of the protagonist. Available as an e-book, audio-book & hard copy from the Seattle Library, as well as a podcast. Check it out here – @SeattlePublicLibrary