Power in Unity: Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich contributions of this diverse community. This year’s theme is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together," highlighting the importance of collective power, storytelling, and building bridges to foster resilience.  

In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month, the Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) joins more than 130 library systems across California, Washington, and Oregon for One Book, One Coast, the largest book club on the West Coast. The inaugural selection, “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, is a powerful graphic memoir that recounts Takei’s childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent following Executive Order 9066 in 1942.  

In addition to a free author talk and book signing featuring George Takei at the East Los Angeles Library on Sunday, May 31, One Book, One Coast features hundreds of free events, including SMPL’s book discussion with Library Director Erica Cuyugan on Wednesday, May 13, at the Main Library. 

As with all cultural awareness months, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to highlight the history and achievements of historically marginalized populations. What began in the late 1970s as Asian/Pacific Heritage Week has evolved into a monthlong event, that invites people of all backgrounds to learn about these cultures. Explore SMPL’s displays of books and DVDs on AANHPI history and culture, and borrow staff-curated titles for adults, teens, middle graders, and kids, as well as books written by AANHPI authors in Spanish. 

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at these events in Santa Monica and check back for updates as new programs are added: 

Santa Monica City Council Meeting 
April 28, 5:30 p.m., Santa Monica City Hall (1685 Main St., Santa Monica) 
Mayor Caroline Torosis and the City Council declare the month of May to be, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 
 
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 
April 29 – May 3, online and at various venues in Los Angeles 
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is the largest festival of films, videos, and digital media works by Asian and Pacific Islander artists in Southern California, and the premier showcase for Asian Pacific cinema.
 
One Book, One Coast: “They Called Us Enemy” Book Discussion 
May 13, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica) 
Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan leads a group discussion on the inaugural selection of One Book, One Coast – George Takei’s “They Called Us Enemy.” 
 
Rice Rice Baby: A Comedy Show for AAPI Heritage Month 
May 22, 8 p.m., The Crow (2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica) 
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with LA's best AAPI comedians! 
 
Hula Fun Fest 
May 23, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Main Library (601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica) 
Celebrate with a craft and special Hawaiian dance performance by Hālau Hula ‘O Hoaloha. For families. 
 
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Film Screening: “Yellow Rose” (2019) 
May 27, 5 - 7 p.m., Ocean Park Branch (2601 Main St., Santa Monica) 
In this coming-of-age film, a Filipina undocumented immigrant’s life is turned upside down when her mother is taken by ICE officials. Rated PG-13. Runtime: 94 min.