AAPI Heritage Month

From a desire to belong to embracing their heritage. Adjusting to new places can be difficult for anyone, especially for the children of immigrants. But as they become adults, some are rethinking the way they see their identity. “Moving around certainly helped with adapting to the various spaces,” said Catherine Shen, a host on Connecticut Public Radio. She’s no...

Students at Connecticut River Academy, a Goodwin University magnet school, got decked out to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Flags from different Asian countries were walked in by students and staff at Connecticut River Academy (CTRA), a Goodwin University magnet school in East Hartford, to kick off the third annual AAPI magnet theme day.  “I love to see that it’s continuing on and the students are actually making a dedication to make it work,” former CTRA student Noor...

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says there are more than 3 million AAPI-owned businesses across the country. Many of them owning restaurants or stores as recent immigrants. When it comes to an idea, Khamla Vorasane is not afraid to make it a reality. “There’s no Swedish candy store in this area. The closest one is in New York and...

Telling stories through elaborate dance and music while keeping in touch with their Indian roots. A local dance group in Connecticut, Layavinyasa, is helping children keep in touch with their heritage. Clapping to the pace of her tempo, Sarada Nori is guiding her students through their performance. All of them practicing an Indian classical dance called Kuchipudi. “It has hand…

Jenny Heikkila Diaz shared the mission of the Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT.

Owner and executive director of Aiping Tai Chi Shirley Chock shared more.

Misha Shahid explained how her organization is committed to empowering the mental and physical well-being of Asian and Pacific Islanders living in the West.

Preserving their roots through the art of dance. The Connecticut Hmong community is connecting with its youth through traditional dance groups. Practice makes perfect for Melina Vang as one half of a two person Hmong dance group. “We like to do big dance moves and kind of like move our hands as much as we can. We also like to…