BY KELSEY PURCELL, FEATURES ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
May commemorates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The month is dedicated to learning, sharing and celebrating Asian American culture.
May was chosen as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage month because of a few important dates, according to NPR. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States. On May 10, 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed from large efforts of Chinese workers.
This month, not only Asian culture and diversity should be recognized, but also the discrimination and hardships that Asian Americans face. Asian Americans achievements, contributions and influence should be commemorated. Asian Americans are part of the United States and should be respected.
At St. Bonaventure University in the halls of the John J. Murphy Professional Building, are maroon posters dedicated to celebrating Asian American culture. One poster in Murphy says ‘‘Asian American Heritage Month’’ and has cherry blossoms decorating the poster. A different poster says, ‘‘Stop Asian Hate. Take action in your community.’’
There are suggestions of books that include Asian American characters on another poster. ‘‘Breadcrumbs,’’ by Anne Ursu, follows young Hazel who is on a journey of self-discovery and self-worth while simultaneously saving her best friend.
‘‘Inside Out & Back Again,’’ by Thanhha Lai, is about a young girl named Kim Hà and her family who are forced to flee to the United States from Vietnam because the Vietnam War has made it too dangerous to stay at home.
‘‘Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom,’’ by Booki Vivat is the first book of the graphic novel series that follows Abbie Wu who is figuring out her true self while trying to fit in and survive in middle school.
‘‘Hello, Universe,’’ a novel by Erin Entrada Kelly, about middle schoolers who form an unexpected friendship, told from four different points of view, and learn about bravery, being your own hero and being different.
‘‘A Boy Called Bat,’’ by Elana K. Arnold, is about third-grader Bixby Alexander Tam, also known as Bat, who becomes fascinated with an orphaned skunk and has interesting experiences with his mom who is a vet.
‘‘Dragonwings,’’ by Laurence Yep is a story based on a Chinese immigrant who grew up away from his father and eventually reunited with him and is given the gift of a handmade kite.
Consider reading these to include Asian American characters in your reading this month.
This month, take time to learn about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history. Read about hate crimes and discrimination that people in these cultures have faced. Learn about cultures and customs and people from these cultures who have made great contributions and achievements in society.
