St. Louis and Dallas are not the only cities celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Dawson Creek and Fort St. John in Canada have also proclaimed June as Filipino Heritage Month, aiming to increase understanding between Filipino immigrants and Canadian culture while celebrating the contributions of Filipino-Canadians in both cities dating back to the 1960s [0cae18ec].
In Dawson Creek, the month-long celebration includes raising the Philippine flag outside of City Hall on June 12 to mark Independence Day for the Filipino community. The flag was also raised in Fort St. John to commemorate the month. Additionally, the 'EX SITU' art exhibit, featuring art, photography, and sculptures created by Filipino-Canadians, is returning for its sixth year at the Peace Gallery North. The exhibition is open to the public until June 22, 2024. These events and initiatives aim to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino community and foster a sense of belonging [0cae18ec].
Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) continues to recognize the contributions of AAPI-owned businesses in the local economy. The STL Partnership collaborates with the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis (AACC) to support AAPI companies. The World Trade Center St. Louis (WTC), the international arm of the STL Partnership, has a history of working with Asian companies and maintains sister city relationships with Nanjing and Wuhan in China, Bogor in Indonesia, and Suwa in Japan. This year, the St. Louis-Suwa Sister Cities Committee is also celebrating its 50th anniversary [ac4ae4c7].
In Dallas, the city recently celebrated its first-ever Asian Heritage Festival and Dragon boat race, which aimed to strengthen communities and raise awareness of funding programs for artists and cultural organizations. The festival was a collaboration between the city of Dallas and large AAPI organizations. Dragon boating, a tradition from China dating back thousands of years, has become popular in North America, especially in Texas. The event showcased the talents of the DUC Delite dragon boat team, which has grown significantly over the past decade and even competed in the world championship last year. The festival was seen as a long-awaited opportunity to develop and cultivate relationships within the AAPI community in Dallas [a0fc1b84].
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is also joining economic development leaders in observing Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The EDA asked a panel of AANHPI economic development leaders what AANHPI Heritage Month means to them. Johnny Park, CEO of the Wabash Heartland Innovation Network, highlighted the diverse talents and perspectives of AANHPI individuals that enrich the marketplace and foster economic growth. Shamik Amin, a civil engineer in the Chicago Regional Office of EDA, reflected on the significant contributions of the AANHPI community to American culture. Megan Hageny, an Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, emphasized the need to address economic hardships faced by the AANHPI community and celebrate their resilience and contributions to the country's economy [b553ab69].
While AAPI Heritage Month and Filipino Heritage Month are celebrated with events and collaborations, an opinion piece highlights the need for more than just recognition. The author, a first-generation Chinese American, expresses feeling conflicted about AAPI Month due to limited knowledge of AAPI contributions to the United States. The author points out that AAPI laborers in Western mines were marginalized and their struggles were often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, in which Chinese laborers played a significant role, is highlighted as an example of AAPI contributions benefiting the US economy during a time of discrimination. The author also mentions the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed of Japanese Americans, which became one of the most decorated units in American military history despite facing discrimination and internment during WWII. The author argues that AAPI history should be included in education, their stories should be listened to, and discrimination should be addressed collectively and unified [ec99d8d1].
Las Vegas' Asian-American population has tripled since 2000, leading to the establishment of a second Chinatown and transforming the culinary scene. Clark County's Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population is 13% of the total population, with Filipinos being the most numerous group. Asian-Americans are reimagining Las Vegas beyond the Strip and buffets. The growth has been driven by migration from California due to lower taxes and affordable housing. Las Vegas' Chinatowns resemble those in Los Angeles. Chinese and Filipino workers have played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas. There have been frictions and debates over cultural offerings and language requirements. Stakeholders are considering adopting a new name for the Chinatowns to better reflect the diverse AAPI population [79070000].
Both St. Louis and Dallas are committed to fostering a supportive environment for AAPI businesses and promoting economic growth in their respective regions. Through their celebrations and collaborations, they aim to recognize the contributions of the AAPI community and promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Similarly, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John are recognizing the contributions of Filipino-Canadians and fostering a sense of belonging through their proclamation of June as Filipino Heritage Month. These initiatives highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse heritage and contributions of different communities.
In addition to St. Louis, Dallas, Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John, Las Vegas has also seen a significant impact from the Asian-American community. The Asian-American population in Las Vegas has tripled since 2000, leading to the establishment of a second Chinatown and transforming the culinary scene. Clark County's Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population now accounts for 13% of the total population, with Filipinos being the most numerous group [79070000].
Asian-Americans in Las Vegas are reimagining the city beyond the Strip and buffets. They have brought their cultural influence to the city, shaping the food, sights, and shops. The growth of the Asian-American population in Las Vegas has been driven by migration from California, attracted by lower taxes and affordable housing. Las Vegas' Chinatowns now resemble those in Los Angeles, with a diverse range of Asian businesses and cultural offerings [79070000].
Chinese and Filipino workers have played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas. They have contributed to the city's growth and have been instrumental in shaping its cultural landscape. However, there have been frictions and debates over cultural offerings and language requirements, highlighting the challenges of accommodating the diverse AAPI population [79070000].
As the Asian-American population continues to grow in Las Vegas, stakeholders are considering adopting a new name for the Chinatowns to better reflect the diverse AAPI population and ensure inclusivity. This reflects the ongoing efforts to embrace and celebrate the contributions of the Asian-American community in Las Vegas [79070000].