Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Us!

A Message from AARP California Leadership
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the many contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society and culture. It also offers time for reflection to better understand the AAPI experience today.

AARP’s vision is a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose and can fulfill their goals and dreams. AARP is committed to ending age discrimination, embracing a culture of inclusion, and advocating for the financial security, personal fulfillment and health for all.

To help further this vision, we invite you to act with care and compassion towards one another this month and beyond. Caring for one another, regardless of differences, is important to building strong communities and we hope you will embrace compassion with us.

Sincerely,
Joe Garbanzos, State President & Nancy McPherson, State Director

AARP California Events – Celebrating Culture and Contributions
Join us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month this May:

Online Film Screening – “The Search for General Tso” (On Demand May 1 -3 | Virtual)
Enjoy a virtual film screening of “The Search for General Tso”. This feature documentary explores the origins and ubiquity of Chinese American food through the story of the iconic dish, General Chicken. Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Please note this is not a live event. You will be emailed the viewing link from AARP California on May 1, 2025, at 12 a.m. PT. You will have access to watch the film from May 1, 2025, at 12 a.m. PT until May 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Data Talk – AANHPI Representation Matters (May 9 from 10 – 11 am PT | Virtual)
Join us for a conversation with Alex Chew of Amplify AAPI and Dr. Van Park of the UCSF CARE Registry, moderated by AARP's Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach, Daphne Kwok. They will share how their work, using Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) data, is leveraged in entertainment, medical research, marketing and economic decisions. Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public.

Movie Screening – Chinatown Cha-Cha (May 11 | Great Star Theater, San Francisco)
Celebrate Mother's Day with a special community screening of Chinatown Cha-Cha at the historic Great Star Theater in San Francisco’s historic Chinatown. This documentary honors the pioneering Chinese American nightclub performers who shaped Chinatown’s golden era, spotlighting the legendary Coby Yee and Grant Avenue Follies. Enjoy a live performance by the Follies before the screening. Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

Screening & Filmmaker Chat – “Fugetsu-Do” (May 14 from 12 – 1 pm PT | Virtual)
Join us for a virtual screening of “Fugetsu-Do” followed by a conversation with the filmmakers. This short documentary integrates the history of Japanese American incarceration into an intimate portrait of a 120-year-old mochigashi store in downtown LA, whose story of survival runs through the heart of the Japanese American experience. Following the screening, there will be a live discussion with the filmmakers, Kaia Rose and Brian Kito, moderated by award winning journalist David Louie. Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public.

Explore Alaska – Big Wildlife, Blue Ice & Cultural Wonders (May 15 from 2 pm PT | Virtual)
Join us for a virtual presentation with Visit Anchorage on planning the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Learn from a local expert and discover the stunning outdoor landscapes, vibrant arts and culture, majestic glaciers and abundant wildlife that Alaska has to offer. Get inspired to explore Anchorage and the breathtaking beauty of the Last Frontier! Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public.

Music Spotlight – Melody Unleashed with Neil Nayyar (May 29 from 3 – 4 pm PT | Virtual)
Join us for a captivating virtual musical presentation featuring Neil Nayyar, a multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire who plays over 100 instruments from around the globe. In this immersive experience, Neil will take you on a musical journey that transcends cultures and styles, showcasing his remarkable talent and passion for music. With each performance, he will share stories behind the instruments, their origins, and their significance in various musical traditions. Learn more and register HERE. This virtual event is free and open to the public.


To learn more about AARP’s work in the AAPI community and available resources, visit aarp.org/aapi.