Celebrating AAPI heritage

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of people of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States.

This year’s theme is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together” to highlight collective action, resilience, and storytelling in the community. President Jimmy Carter signed into law in 1978 a week of celebrations, but in 1990, Congress expanded the observance to a whole month.

Cultural and artistic celebrations are taking place in Dallas throughout the month, including:

• Third annual Dancing Dragon Boat race from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 17 at the Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive. The family-friendly celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage includes live performances, hands-on workshops, art, food, vendors, and the exciting Dragon Boat race. The event is free. 
• The Bath House also features Big Luck, a mixed media exhibition featuring works by Asian American artists from the DFW area, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The exhibition includes works by Julian Callos, Eunjee Chong, Lucy Haigan, Eun Lee, Chi Leong, Joanna Lin, Lo, Annie Nguyen, Mylan Nguyen, Brent Ozaeta, and Taro Waggoner. It runs through May 30.