Lily Proulx-Scandone, Sophomore
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes and discrimination against Asians have been on the rise in the United States. The pain and grief in the broader community resonates and is amplified with each further crime. Despite this, Asian Pacific Heritage Month is focused on celebrating the heritage of Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI). This year, efforts have centered on uplifting voices from within the community, advocating for change, and celebrating the accomplishments, cultures, and stories. These celebrations and programs have covered every aspect of life, from cultural activities, food, law, politics, and discussions between families and friends.
Returning to the rise of hate crimes against AAPI people, Representative Andrew Kim commented on this year feeling quite different. He noted that the increased violence required sustained attention even outside of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and his desire for the AAPI community: “I want people to come out of this with a greater sense of empowerment, like we belong.”
The Washington D.C. coordinator for Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Ben de Guzman, believes in the resilience of the community at large, despite violence and discrimination, and the struggles of COVID-19. “Solidarity and allyship matters,” he says. “It has shown me that hope exists”. The activities he normally plans have moved online in respect to the ongoing pandemic, but it does not take away from the meaning and intent of the activities.
These activities extend far beyond the D.C. area and to community outreach. Everyday citizens are sharing their ethnic food, in acts of love and reflection of their heritage. Kimberly Carlson fondly remembers her mother’s sinigang, who passed away in March. “I will find comfort in this dish and her cultural heritage, always remembering her fondly when I cook it, or order it, from now on”. Fadilah K. uses food to connect to a culture that she feels she never truly was a part of. “ It’s a symbol of home and the identity I will hold forever, regardless of location”. The theme is connection and celebration regardless of the distance and turmoil shaping the world.
A minority within any celebration of heritage is transracial adoption. This creates an even further divide, as there is no birth culture to be raised in duality with the adopted culture. The feelings of shame and repression intensify for Asian adoptees during this month, but there is hope, and a community. Katie Hatfield, adopted from China, believes that “ your culture is not necessarily how much you know of it”. She spent this month rediscovering her birth culture and her very definition of culture itself. Hatfield is only one of many who are making their voices heard and finding space to be heard from.
In this month, Asians hope to listen within and to be listened to. This May has been one of celebration; in a way that brings justice, equality, peace, and most importantly, self-discovery and love. It has been difficult, with the pandemic and violence surrounding, but in ways, it has made this year even more impactful than previous years.
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