Seattle’s Asian American alternative music scene is creating stronger visibility and representation through bands like Plash, Cherub Chains, Llaminate, and Nofloor. These artists are blending genres such as math rock, hardcore punk, shoegaze, and noise rock while exploring themes of identity, heritage, and belonging. Many musicians shared how reconnecting with their cultural roots influenced their music, helping them build […]

During AANHPI Heritage Month, founders Rachel Lau and Michelle Ming of Yellow Peril Books are spotlighting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander stories through their independent bookstore and curated book recommendations. Created to reclaim and elevate authentic AANHPI voices, Yellow Peril Books connects communities through literature, events, and conversations while celebrating diverse experiences and […]

A chemical leak at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California, has prompted the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents due to concerns over a potentially toxic spill and explosion risk. The incident is especially significant for AAPI communities, as nearly 43% of Garden Grove’s population identifies as Asian. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency while […]

NextShark has invested in Journey Optics, an emerging eyewear brand founded by Bryan Tarn that creates performance sunglasses specifically designed for Asian facial features and low nose bridge fit. The partnership highlights a growing movement toward products built with the AAPI community in mind, emphasizing representation, inclusion, and innovation for historically underserved consumers. The collaboration also […]

Asian Americans across the Seattle area are building community and cultural connection through fitness activities like kung fu, lion dance, pickleball, climbing, and aerial arts. Groups such as Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association are helping preserve cultural traditions while creating supportive spaces for people of all ages. Participants say these activities […]

A new free multimedia textbook from the UCLA Asian American Studies Center aims to expand education about Asian American and Pacific Islander history and culture in schools nationwide. Developed over eight years by more than 100 contributors, the digital resource highlights underrepresented AAPI stories, challenges stereotypes, and supports ethnic studies education amid ongoing debates over […]

California State University, Fresno is celebrating the graduation of its first Asian American Studies class, marking a major milestone for the San Joaquin Valley. The program helps students explore the histories and contributions of Asian American communities, including the region’s large Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Armenian populations. Faculty and students say the curriculum promotes representation, […]

HBO’s new documentary The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas highlights the diverse experiences and identities within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Directed by Eugene Yi, the project features interviews with public figures and community voices including Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, and advocate Schuyler Bailar. The documentary explores themes of identity, representation, intersectionality, […]

The National Education Association (NEA) is promoting the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in everyday classroom instruction to improve student engagement and belonging. Educators say representation helps students feel seen and supports a more complete understanding of U.S. history. Momentum has grown nationwide, with states like Illinois, New Jersey, […]

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company will present a special performance series in celebration of Asian American Heritage Month at The CitiGroup Theatre in New York City on May 15–16, 2026. The program highlights the company’s signature cross-cultural style by blending traditional Chinese influences with contemporary dance. It honors the legacy of founder Nai-Ni Chen through the revival of Du, showcases current […]

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Asian Art will host the fourth annual IlluminAsia Festival in May 2026 to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. The festival emphasizes Asian American storytelling through film, literature, and live performances spanning early cinema to contemporary works. The festival, part of […]

Billboard features EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI as Women of the Year 2026, highlighting their historic impact as Asian-American women in music. The trio reflects on their success with “Golden,” which surpassed 1 billion streams and contributed to a record-breaking Netflix project. They discuss their journey through the music industry, the ups and downs of their careers, and the transformative […]