Reviewed by: Grace Howard
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in Birmingham—community groups, events + more
Reading time: 4 minutes
Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month, celebrated in May, pays tribute to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans.
In Birmingham, there are many people, resources and initiatives that support the local AAPI community.
Throughout the month, we will be highlighting some of the groups and local businesses that beautifully represent their culture in the Magic City.
About Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the contributions made by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in American history.
Ways to celebrate AAPI heritage in Birmingham
From community events to month-long celebrations, the Magic City is full of ways to commemorate AAPI Heritage this month, and every month after.
Check out a few ways to pay tribute to these diverse cultures:
- FREE Chinese language camp at UAB
- What: Students will learn a new language + use AI technology to demonstrate their proficiency in an interactive show at the end of the week.
- When: June 3-7 | Showcase on June 7
- Where: 1402 10th Avenue, S, Birmingham, AL 35294
- McWane Science Center History Makers
- What: Join McWane all month long as they highlight history makers such as Sarinya Srisakul, the first Asian-American woman in the New York City Fire Department.
- When: May 1-31
- Where: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Theatrical Arts of Asia at the Birmingham Museum of Art
- What: 45 works showcased throughout the Chinese, Korean + Japanese galleries of BMA
- When: Now-November 2024
- Where: 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Japanese Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- What: Bask in the beautiful, traditional Japanese Garden with cherry blossoms, bamboo, Japanese maples + more.
- When: Daily 7AM-6PM
- Where: 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
Local groups to know
Japan-America Society of Alabama
The Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) is an established non-profit centered around networking. JASA welcomes members who want to create a friendly atmosphere for Japanese businesses in Alabama.
Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation
Founded in 2005, the Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation (AACF) is nonprofit organization that works with various Asian artistic and cultural organizations in the Birmingham area.
The group hosts festivals and events throughout the year, like the Alabama Asian Cultures and Food Festival, to showcase food and culture from across the Asian continent.
At UAB’s 2024 AAPI Heritage Month Festival, Lyazzat Zhylkibayev (pictured above) sang a traditional folk song from her native country of Kazakhstan, marking the first time an artist from a Central Asian country has performed at an AAPI Heritage Month festival in Alabama.
Dr. Helen Kim, President of AACF, told me how proud she was to bring Mrs. Zhylkibayev to the event.
“I hope the inclusion of more Asians from less well-known Asian countries in AAPI Heritage celebrations will continue to be a tradition.”
Dr. Helen Kim, President, Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation
Birmingham Chinese Festival Association
What began over a lunch conversation in 2005 blossomed into the hosts of the largest Chinese New Year Celebration in Alabama.
The Birmingham Chinese Festival Association promotes awareness of Chinese heritage across our communities.
Birmingham is home to many beautiful people and cultures who make our city more diverse. Stay tuned for more ways we’re commemorating AAPI Heritage Month.
In the meantime, tell us know how you’re celebrating—tag us @bhamnow + let us know!
