Celebrate together! AAPI Heritage Month/Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Detroit has spread proudly throughout Metro Detroit in the month of May and we are still sharing the best ways to recognize these communities and cultures that it focuses on. The month is coming to a close, but there are still Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Detroit/Metro Detroit highlights to know about.
Support the local Asian food in Detroit scene and throughout Michigan to keep the cultural traditions alive as the residents in Michigan with Asian descent is 4% of the state’s population according to 2020 census data. Learn more statistics from the Detroit Free Press news. With the largest ethnic group among Asian Americans being Chinese Americans at 22%, there is much to enjoy and explore in terms of the range of authentic generational tastes & recipes that have been magically reimagined by Asian Detroit chefs and other minority chefs. Read books AAPI authors, continue to shop at your local Asian or Pacific Islander-owned businesses, and much more.
Detroitisit rounded up an engaging guide to inform the city and its surroundings on how to interact better with certain cultural communities. Speak up and celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Detroit and beyond.
2025 AAPI HERITAGE MONTH THEME
Take what you learned this month and continue to spread the message, so more visibility and respect can be broadcasted. Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month in Detroit has a theme each year as it’s celebrated annually. The theme for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in 2025 is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” This theme acknowledges the important contributions and enduring spirit of AANHPI communities. Events, programs, resources, and more are geared towards emphasizing the achievements of pioneers as well as uplifting those who currently exhibit the continued resilience of the community. Click HERE to view The Asian American Foundation for more information.
PHOTO @DETROITPBS ON INSTAGRAM
STREAM ONE DETROIT ON PBS TO REWATCH A SPECIAL ON JAPANESE INCARCERATION & BEING AN ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN
Celebrate Asian & Pacific Heritage Month in Detroit by taking a deep dive into the real stories of the individuals in the community that this month honors. In case you missed the official airing of “ Japanese Incarceration, Being American, Threads of Passage, Fall of Saigon anniversary” on May 16th, then you still can stream this eye-opening news program episode regarding public affairs. This One Detroit special S9 Ep45 aired in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. One Detroit is a local public television program presented by Detroit PBS. Click HERE to view the Detroit PBS website for more details and how to stream.
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL JUNE EVENT, PHOTO @JUJUBE.SANCTUARY ON INSTAGRAM
DETROIT ASIAN COLLECTIVE
It can be tough to adjust to the American lifestyle, especially when it comes to food if your family is not traditionally a part of the culture. Follow the Detroit Asian Collective to keep up with gathering events that aim to empower Detroit Asian community and creatives. They’ve hosted creative & cute cultural events that include learning to crochet a dumpling, Lunar New Year Potluck, movie nights, Happy Hour, Snack and Sketch, and other fun meetups. Click HERE to be added to their event page and HERE to stay updated on their Instagram page. The annual Dragon Boat Festival is coming up on June 1!
DIA LOGO, PHOTO @DIADETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH CONTINUES AT THE DIA
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month in Detroit never fails to exhibit the best of cultural displays, including art forms of all kinds from brave & creative voices. This is your reminder to plan a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programs are developed in partnership with the DIA’s auxiliary group, Friends of Asian & Asian American Arts & Cultures.
Celebrate the voices and stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities at the DIA throughout May in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! In collaboration with AAPI community groups and professional artists, the museum has put on a dynamic mixture and presentation of traditional and contemporary dance, music, art, and more. Feel grateful to witness performances that showcase the best of Chinese, Filipino, Hmong, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Mongolian, Taiwanese and Vietnamese cultures.
Free with admission, click HERE to view the website for calendar information. Dates left of this month-long celebration of programs:
Friday, May 23 7 PM | Music Performance: Asian Sound Revolution at Rivera Court
Saturday, May 31
- Noon–4 PM | Guest Artist Workshop: Shingo Brown – Artmaking Studio
- 2 PM | Cultural Demonstration: Taiwanese Tea Culture presented by Jhentea at Danto Lecture Hall
Sunday, June 1
Noon–4 PM | Guest Artist Workshop: Shingo Brown – Artmaking Studio
DIA Main Location: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
TAKE TIME TO EDUCATE YOURSELF
Educate and immerse yourself on the current events and stories of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month across America and its history. See what’s going on beyond the city of Detroit and Michigan for extensive events and resources. This is also a great way to get thinking about traveling to other places this summer for a hands-on experience. Expand your horizons and read into what The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have joined together in to educate the masses. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit.
