Kansas City AAPI Celebration Saturday At Columbus Square Park

Tonight, we share an informative note and a reminder that the U.S. continues to become increasingly diverse and eclectic amid an ongoing cultural shift that, for better and worse, might not be as dependent upon elections as many would like to think.

Take a peek . . .

Kansas City AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2022

Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Columbus Square Park (Missouri Ave & Holmes St)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 13th, 2022) – Local Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) leaders here in the Kansas City region are coming together to recognize AAPI Heritage Month with a Celebration at Columbus Square Park (Missouri Ave & Holmes St) Saturday, May 21st, 2022. All are welcome to attend this family and pet friendly event to uplift AAPI voices and culture by supporting local AAPI businesses, speakers and performers who will showcase their talents throughout the day.

Community Engagement opportunities include a presentation of cultural dances from Vietnam, Bali, and the Polynesian Islands; as well as an interactive portion where you can learn the culturally specific movements and meaning behind these dances. A fun introduction to the vast world of AAPI dance, especially for the kids of KC!

Additionally, Cafe Cà Phê’s Director of Community Outreach, Bety Le Shackelford, will moderate a Get to Know Us: No frills, Just Real Talk panel discussion with local AAPI leaders and engaged community members including Representative Emily Weber (Korean-American), Representative Rui Xu (Chinese-American), Cafe Cà Phê owner Jackie Nguyen (Vietnamese-American), their manager Madoka Koguchi (Japanese), Community Activist Justice Horn (Polynesian/Tongan), and more!

Shackelford said, “Last year we were honored to be a part of making history in Kansas City by officially declaring May as AAPI Heritage Month. This year, we continue this tradition of celebrating and sharing the AAPI narrative with those ready to embrace new cultures. And the best part is, thanks to our community sponsors, we are able to provide this to Kansas City FREE OF CHARGE!”

Since the mid-eighteenth century, when the first Chinese immigrants began to settle in our country, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jackson County, and Kansas City have been home to the largest communities of Asian American Pacific Islanders in Missouri. Throughout history, the AAPI community has faced adversity and used their strength and persistence to become leaders and trailblazers in our nation.

The efforts and contributions of Asian American Pacific Islanders can be seen in every aspect of society including education, politics, healthcare, economics, and science, playing a pivotal role in America’s history. We remember the legacy of activism left by AAPI elders and celebrate the next generation of AAPI youth, who continue to push us all to be and do better, to survive and thrive, and to experience true justice and equity. In Kansas City, we believe in the inherent value of every person, including our Asian American Pacific Islander community members, without exception. Join us on this very special day!

Here are our event partners:

    Mpress Printing

    Made in KC

    Betty Raes

    KC Parks and Rec

    Nhung C Nguyen LLC

    Vivient Health

Here are our event vendors:

AAPI vendors:

    Sugarfold

    Laoni Jewerly and Art

    Kufukka

    Soulfull Accessories

    MooYuei Bakery

    Joystixx

    Wasteland Society

    Erika Sakata Art

    Wenny Grant

    Whatever Next

    Hanna Lee

    Kut the Knit

(Not AAPI Identifying but are donating % to anti-Asian Hate Crime Nonprofit - Hate is a Virus - https://hateisavirus.org/)

    Build Trybe

    Mad Menagerie

    Lauryl Sidwell

    Lila’s Clayground

    Carolee Designs

    Sookie Aesthetic

    Sweet Tea Pie Co

    Big Brothers Big Sisters

    Vivient Health

    RISE (Public Library)

Food Truck:

    Yings Thai Food

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