(This post contains affiliate links. Full info here)
In May, the United States observes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing and celebrating the history and culture of our fellow Americans past and present “with origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands.”1
This article is humbly dedicated with the utmost gratitude and respect to the memory of US Navy Fireman Second Class Telesforo de la Crux Trinidad, Medal of Honor recipient from the Philippines:
“For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the boiler explosion on board the U.S.S. San Diego, 21 January 1915. Trinidad was driven out of fireroom No. 2 by the explosion, but at once returned and picked up R.E. Daly, fireman, second class, whom he saw to be injured, and proceeded to bring him out. While coming into No. 4 fireroom, Trinidad was just in time to catch the explosion in No. 3 fireroom, but without consideration for his own safety, passed Daly on and then assisted in rescuing another injured man from No. 3 fireroom. Trinidad was himself burned about the face by the blast from the explosion in No. 3 fireroom.”2
We are proud and pleased to highlight and recommend the following works by Asian and Pacific Islander authors:
The Shark Dialogues – Kiana Davenport
–
–
–
The Gangster We Are All Looking For – Thi Dien Thuy Le
–
–
The Ghost Bride – Yangsze Choo
–
–
–
–
Sons for the Return Home – Albert Wendt
–
Interpreter of Maladies – Jhumpa Lahiri
–
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
–
–
Muna Madan – Laxmi Prasad Devkota
–
–
The Land of Five Towers – Ahmad Fuadi
–
The Glass Palace – Amitav Ghosh
–
–
Fun and free ways to participate in Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:
1) Pick a country and see how many books your local library has from its authors. Signal boost your newfound favorite authors to your friends.
2) Stream music (new and old!) from the country or culture you’re learning about (Spotify, Pandora, etc.)
3) Search Pinterest to find bloggers and professional chefs that teach the cooking style and food traditions of their cultures and try a recipe. Even if you don’t like the final product you are 100% guaranteed to learn something fantastic.
(Note: we have zero chill about the amazing mega-soothing spice blend garam masala and the vivid crimson masterpiece of flavor that is Korean red pepper flakes that are staples in their respective nations of origin–and without the generosity of Asian American peers sharing their knowledge and experiences in person and online we’d never have had the joy of savoring either seasoning! Be sure to sincerely thank and, where applicable, give credit to any individuals or organizations that provide resources and/or time to you as you learn and explore. Bloggers, cultural centers, authors, speakers, friends, relatives, advocacy groups, historical societies, etc.)
Share your ideas and traditions with us via comment or email!
Thank you for reading!
