Beyond the A: Creating Space for Pacific Islander Cultures & Stories during AANHPI Heritage Month

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a longstanding celebration in schools, libraries, and communities across the country. While Asian cultures are often prominently featured during this month, Pacific Islander cultures can sometimes receive less visibility. Elevating Pacific Islander stories, traditions, and voices is an important way to create a more inclusive celebration and deepen understanding of the rich diversity represented within AANHPI communities. Pacific Island cultures offer unique Indigenous histories, powerful storytelling traditions, breathtaking art forms, and vibrant expressions of joy through music, dance, and community. These cultures enrich the broader cultural landscape and deserve opportunities to be celebrated, shared, and explored. This past AANHPI Heritage Month, I had the privilege of coordinating the Voices of Pasifika Series at Cupertino Library, a series of programs highlighting the diverse cultures of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Often referred to as Pasifika, these cultures encompass the vibrant traditions,…
The post Beyond the A: Creating Space for Pacific Islander Cultures & Stories during AANHPI Heritage Month appeared first on ALSC Blog.  Read original article: Read More