Each May, as flowers bloom and warm weather returns, we’re reminded of how beautifully diverse our communities are. At Amlotus International Education, where students from all over the world gather to improve their English and pursue their dreams, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a celebration of identity, community, and resilience.

But what exactly is AAPI Heritage Month, and why does it matter?

🌏 Why This Month Matters

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have long been part of the American story — often in ways that don’t make it into the history books. From early immigrants working on the railroads to modern-day leaders in science, art, politics, and activism, the AAPI community has helped shape the country we know today.

Designated officially in 1992, AAPI Heritage Month gives us all a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate. It’s a reminder that the U.S. is not a monolith. It’s a mosaic — and AAPI voices are essential pieces of that picture.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of dumplings in Flushing, watched a K-drama on Netflix, studied Japanese calligraphy, or been inspired by activists like Grace Lee Boggs or Yuri Kochiyama, you’ve already experienced the influence of AAPI culture.

📚 Want to explore more?
Visit asianpacificheritage.gov for history, videos, and interactive exhibits.

🏙️ AAPI Culture Around Our Campuses

Our students in Manhattan, Flushing, and Philadelphia are surrounded by AAPI culture — sometimes without even realizing it.

• In Manhattan, you can take a walk through Chinatown, sip on bubble tea, or join a community celebration at Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
  
  
• In Flushing, Queens, you’ll find an incredible mix of Chinese, Korean, and South Asian cultures, from food to fashion.
  
  
• In Philadelphia, visit the Chinatown Friendship Gate and enjoy events that highlight AAPI music, dance, and storytelling. Check out what’s happening through PA Asian American Film Festival.
  
  

What better way to improve your English than to explore local culture and connect it to language learning?

🌟 A Time to Learn, Share, and Celebrate

AAPI Heritage Month isn’t just about looking at the past — it’s also about listening to stories and sharing your own. Many of our students at Amlotus come from AAPI backgrounds or live in neighborhoods influenced by AAPI culture.

This month gives all of us — no matter where we’re from — a chance to:

• Learn about important AAPI figures who broke barriers in politics, arts, and science.
  
  
• Discover Asian and Pacific Islander languages, traditions, and values.
  
  
• Reflect on the challenges many immigrants face, from racism to identity struggles — and how communities rise above them.
  
  

🧠 For deeper understanding, explore these helpful links:

• The Asian American Education Project – Lesson plans and storytelling.
  
  

Learning for Justice: AAPI Heritage Resources – Discussion guides and materials.