Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Published on May 01, 2025
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the City of Lakewood proudly joins federal and state agencies, along with countless public and private organizations, in honoring this important national observance.
There are more than 23 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States. This diverse and growing population makes up about 7% of the total U.S. population and about 15% of the Lakewood population.
The City of Lakewood has issued a proclamation in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (see sidebar).
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played vital roles in shaping the United States—from building the Transcontinental Railroad to advocating for labor law changes to fighting to defend our nation in multiple wars. They made these contributions while also facing persistent discrimination and violence throughout U.S. history. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans. They have long been perceived as outsiders, despite many Chinese being the first Asian immigrants arriving in the United States in significant numbers over 150 years ago in the mid-nineteenth century.
Please join the City of Lakewood in paying tribute to the Asian and Pacific Islander community, which has enriched our nation and been instrumental to its progress.
Resources to learn more
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) has a wealth of information about the Asian Pacific American community, art and history online.
Check the Los Angeles County Public Libraries website for excellent resources, including booklists for adults, teens and kids.
There are also links to some educational videos that highlight Asian Pacific food and culture.
Both Lakewood libraries have events in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well. Attendance is limited for these programs and advance registration is required. You can sign up with library staff or use the online links for each library below.
Iacoboni Library events
Origami Fortune Cookies for Teens
May 8, 4-5 p.m.
Learn how to make your own Origami Fortune Cookies! For tweens and teens 12-18.
Japanese Taiko Drumming - The Rhythm of Inspiration
June 4, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
An educational taiko program designed to inspire, educate and engage audiences with the rich cultural heritage of Japanese Taiko drumming. This program is for adults.
Register for either Iacoboni Library event at: https://lacountylibrary.org/angelo-m-iacoboni-library/
Nye Library events
Creation Station: Japanese Chigir-e
May 21, 5-6 p.m.
Learn about Japanese Chigiri-e to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Month. For children ages 5-12.
Origami Crane Mobile
May 13, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, celebrate the legacy of Sadako Sasaki and her thousand origami cranes and create your own origami crane mobile. For adults.
Register for either Nye Library event at: https://lacountylibrary.org/location/george-nye-jr-library/