GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and different organizations in Grand Rapids will be hosting celebrations and events to recognize it.
The Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) has a month of family-friendly activities planned including an artist panel, a history exhibit, a traditional Kung Fu class and a lecture. The exhibit and lecture will shine a spotlight on the local AAPI community.
Betsy Vandstra, a librarian at GRPL, said the events are about amplifying the voices of the AAPI community.
"We want to make sure that it's not just like, 'Hey, we here at the library are experts,'" she said. "We want to talk to people who have this lived experience, who are part of the AAPI community and really highlight their voices and the stories of AAPI people within the community and say, 'Hey, these are the voices that are worth elevating and hearing from,' and the library can just be a place to have that platform."
The library is partnering with AAPI artists from around the Midwest to share more about their experience and how their culture influences their art.
At some events, local AAPI-owned businesses will be providing authentic treats for visitors to try.
There will also be take-home crafts available for children at all GRPL locations throughout the month of May.
Vandstra said having events at the library can help introduce people to diverse voices in a comfortable environment.
"The library is usually a familiar place for everyone. So it's a great place to just come on down and experience something new in a familiar setting, and also get to know experiences or a community or history that you might not have heard of before, but that is a part of our community in Grand Rapids. And that's worth knowing, because we all are a part of that community."
In addition, the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation (GRAPF) is preparing for their annual Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival next month. This festival takes over downtown for one weekend each summer to share cultural performances, authentic food and interactive activities with West Michiganders.
The GRAPF is also hosting the Global Water Fest at the end of July.
Find a full list of events GRPL is hosting this month here and find out more about the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival here.
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