Celebrating Asian American Heritage Month
During the month of May, we’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. As an organization, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the blatantly racist rhetoric and activity that has been increasingly harmful to AAPI citizens in both Philadelphia, and nationally.
Our stance to speak out against racism within our own community runs parallel to our desire to celebrate the vibrant and diverse communities in Philadelphia, like the AAPI community. We are highlighting some of the local groups and businesses that work to advocate for the needs of AAPI citizens, as well as highlight the culture that AAPI citizens bring to our city.
AAPI WELLNESS: Social Service and Health Agencies serving AAPI refugees and immigrants
Grand Opening of the Hansjorg Wyss Wellness Center located in the Bok Building
Last month, Jefferson Health and SEAMAAC celebrated the grand opening of Hansjorg Wyss Wellness Center. This center, located in the Bok Building, serves immigrant and refugee populations living in the area surrounding Bok. The wellness center will not only provide regular clinical hours but will offer educational programming and health fairs.
SEAMAAC, a regular partner of VU’s, is a powerhouse within the AAPI community. For the last 40 years, SEAMAAC serves immigrants and refugees by acknowledging their value to our community and supporting them through a variety of health and social service programming. SEAMAAC staff provides community building opportunities, advocates for the needs of the AAPI community, and serve as bridge builders between community members and institutions.
Woori Center acts as an organizer of Korean and Asian Americans toward social, racial and economic justice. Woori Center advocates for the Asian American community in navigating immigration, language proficiency, lack of documentation and the needs of both seniors and young people. The center is active in the community, leading campaigns and providing opportunities to engage in arts programming.
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation has partnered with Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center of Pennsylvania Hospital to open the Chinese Immigrant Family Wellness Initiative! Programs to address mental and emotional health practices within this community.
VietLead is a younger Philadelphia and South Jersey based organization built to illustrate the resilience of the AAPI community. VietLead offers a variety of intergenerational programming, youth organizing, and a variety of other holistic support services. They operate within a framework of Heal.Resist.Grow., meeting their demographic where they are and supporting them through their individual journey.
Asian Americans United focuses their community activism efforts through leadership development of Asian American youth with the goal to reclaim Asian culture within immigrant communities.
ART AND CULTURE
Asian Arts Initiative (AAI), located in Chinatown, offers a space for all people with multidisciplinary talents can showcase their work. Patrons can view art that reflects the Asian American experience. AAI offers classes and workshops for all ages and all levels. Stay tuned for their quickly approaching (May 6th) Annual Spring Benefit! While their physical space is currently closed due to the pandemic, be sure to connect with and follow their journey outdoors!
Asian Americans United (AAU) along with their commitment to social justice, supports programming at Folk-Arts Cultural Treasures Schools (FACTS), as well as the annual Mid-Autumn Festival
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) protects and promotes the culture in our Chinatown neighborhood. This group is responsible for the Chinatown Night Market, Chinese New Year Festival and many of our annual favorites!
FOOD
We have provided an extensive list, created by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. Looking through this list, you will find dozens of small Asian American owned food businesses.
Volunteer & Donation Opportunities
Please consider supporting these organizations (or the many others) in our community so that they can continue to support the AAPI community!
