TALLAHASSEE – Today is the first day of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), a celebration each May of the contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have made to our country.

To mark the kickoff of APAHM, members of the Florida Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Progress (FLAAAP) coalition released the following statements:

“For AAPI Floridians, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month provides the opportunity to see our history reflected back to us in the incredible contributions our communities have made to our state and our nation. Through our organizing at FLAAPP, we are proud to carry on the legacy of the great AAPI Floridians who came before us and are dedicated to activating the next generation of leaders whose stories are yet to be told.” – Hannah Locop, Florida Field Organizer, APIAVote

“As we strive to engage, educate, and empower our AAPI communities throughout Florida at ACT, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month provides a powerful reminder of the impact we can all make today. Whether we are new to this country or have been here for generations, when we stand up and make our voices heard together, there is so much we can accomplish for our communities.” – Ricky Ly, Co-Founder, Asian Americans Pacific Islanders Coming Together (ACT)

“At NAPAWF, we are proud of our organization’s mission to amplify AAPI women’s stories and experiences to show the collective power we all have when we have full agency over our lives, our families, and our communities. During Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, we are reminded of all the contributions that countless AAPI women have made in the fight for justice and remain committed to lighting the way forward for a brighter future.” – May Thach, Senior Florida Organizing Manager, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF)

“Throughout our state, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month acts as a time for Muslim Americans to reflect on the breadth and diversity of the different traditions which make up the fabric of our AAPI communities in Florida. As we come together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate our heritage and the bonds we have built in this country, we are reenergized to continue to advocate, organize, and empower our communities to create the change we want to see in the world.” – Zakir Shareef, Outreach Coordinator for the Tampa Bay area, Emgage

See below for events scheduled throughout Florida.

Who: Emgage Florida
What: Emgage Florida Annual Gala
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel
1230 S Pine Island Rd
Plantation, FL 33324
More info: https://secure.everyaction.com/t68jHmFJo0u7C7gTgzFkWQ2 

Who: National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
What: FL Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Lao Cultural Center
4090 58th Ave N 
Unit 1
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
More info: https://secure.everyaction.com/IwZYwYL_d06vk60Sa34hDQ2  

Who: Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida
What: Asian Cultural Festival
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Ocoee Lakeshore Center
125 N Lakeshore Dr
Ocoee, FL 34761
More info: https://www.visitorlando.com/event/asian-cultural-festival/19391/