AAPI Heritage Month celebrations around Albuquerque

By KOB

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – From Vietnamese, Chinese to Farsi, Pashto and even Dari, these are just a few languages spoken by Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities here in Albuquerque. The month of May is dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures of the AAPI community which make up 3.1% of Albuquerque’s population. This is an opportunity to learn about their contributions to New Mexico and the city.

Chinese immigrants first arrived in New Mexico when it was part of Mexico, and continued during the U.S. Territorial Period and as workers who helped build the railroads in the 1880s. Vietnamese refugees first arrived in Albuquerque in 1975, and people from other Asian and Pacific Island countries have made Albuquerque home in the decades since. Today, AAPI contributions are seen and deeply ingrained throughout the city in all facets of life from business to arts and leadership.

In celebration, many community organizations across the metro are celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in various ways. Below is a list of events.

Singing Arrow Multicultural Arts Festival

This event celebrates cultural diversity and will feature performers such as Bao Lion Dance, Matachines, Celtic and more. Local artists will display their work, food trucks will offer a variety of world cuisine, and Open Space Rangers will lead tours of the Singing Arrow Archaeological Site.

  • Who: Family & Community Services & Albuquerque City Council 
  • When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Where: Singing Arrow Community Center

26th Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Day

This event will feature cultural performances and music, Japanese floral arrangements, Chinese art activities, and more. Celebrate the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages and unique experiences represented among ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific. The event is included with paid Museum admission and can be purchased the day of the event at the door. For more information about this event, please click here.

  • Who: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History and Sandia National Laboratories Asian Leadership Outreach Committee
  • When: Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Where: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Asian American Pacific Islander Graduation Ceremony

UNM’s Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC) will be hosting a graduation ceremony to celebrate students’ achievements. This event is sponsored by the Office of Equity & Inclusion.

  • Who: AAPI Resource Center
  • When: Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 6 p.m.
  • Where: AAPI Resource Center at UNM

“We are forever foreigners”: Understanding Asian Children’s Experiences of Anti-Asian Hate Crimes During the Pandemic Through Parents’ Voices

This session will feature speakers Sojeong Nam and Jeongwoon Jeong. This session’s learning objectives are the following: To describe experiences of anti-Asian hate crimes among Asian and Asian American children during the pandemic, to identify themes derived from a qualitative inquiry with parents, and to discuss implications for supporting and working with Asian and Asian Americans in light of the findings. Register here.

  • Who: UNM’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • When: Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Where: Virtual via Zoom

Building Community: Finding Your Food, Fun, & Family in Albuquerque!

This session will feature speakers Akshay Sood and Joyce Pang. This session’s learning objectives include openly exchanging highlights of being Asian in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Compile a list of local restaurants and businesses to visit this month and every month and identify local resources and organizations for language and cultural education. Register here. 

  • Who: UNM’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hybrid format

Asian American Pacific Islander History Month Trivia Night

The purpose of this event is to bring together community members to learn about notable Asian American/Pacific Islander identified individuals and their contributions to health care and society. Register here.

  • Who: UNM’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • When: Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hybrid format