2024 Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month Celebrations Around the City
The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions generations of AAPI’s have made to American history, society and culture. The City of Albuquerque is home to many AAPI communities who will be sharing their diverse cultures throughout the month.
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 built the railroads in the 1880’s. Vietnamese refugees first arrived in Albuquerque in 1975, and people from other Asian and Pacific Island countries continued to make Albuquerque home in the decades since.
Today, AAPI residents are deeply ingrained into all facets of Albuquerque’s diverse civic and cultural life, from business to arts and leadership. In 2020, Mayor Tim Keller announced a historic appointment of Thanh-Lan “Lan” Sena to the City Council District 1 seat. Sena was the first woman to represent the district, and the first Asian (Vietnamese) American to sit on the City Council.
In celebration, the City and community organizations across the metro are celebrating AAPI Heritage Month in various ways. Below is a list of events we know of so far.
Lesson of Solidarity from the Filipinx American Labor Movement
Summary: Dr. Alana J. Block is a union organizer with the American Federation of Teachers of New Mexico. She earned her PhD in American studies from the University of New Mexico, where she taught courses in American Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality.
Who: UNM Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 2 PM – 3:15 PM
Where: University of New Mexico, CJ 119
Isotopes Asian American Pacific Islander Night
Summary: The Isotopes will be hosting an Asian American Pacific Islander Night as they play against Round Rock.
Who: Albuquerque Isotopes
When: Friday, May 3, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Where: 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE, Albuquerque, NM, United States, New Mexico
True North New Mexico Exhibition
Summary: This showcase features the unique voices of 12 Black and AAPINH youth artists. Experience how they express their identities and share their true New Mexican narratives through diverse art forms.
Who: True NM
When: Friday, May 3, 2024 from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: 500 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Asian American Heritage Month Kick Off
Summary: Support the Queer Asian Community at the Albuquerque Social Club. There will be food starting at 5:30 Pm and drag performances. You must be 21 years or older to attend.
Who: Groundwork Studio and APINH Asian Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian Center
When: Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 4 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Albuquerque Social Club, 4021 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Lasting Legacies: A White house Celebration of AA & NHPI Heritage & History
Summary: This landmark event in the heart of our nation's capital will commemorate 25 years since the creation of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. For the first time, current and former leaders spanning five presidential administrations will gather to honor this historic milestone and reflect on the progress AA and NHPI communities have achieved over the past 25 years.
Who: White House and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)
When: Monday, May 13, 2024 at 10 AM
Santa Cruzan:
Summary: This annual event celebrates the beauty and traditions of the Filipino culture. There will be a mass at 4 Pm and a cultural show at 6 Pm.
Who: Filipino-American Foundation of New Mexico
When: May 18, 2024 at 4 PM
Where: San Felipe de Neri Parish, 2005 N Plaza NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104