Each May, we honor Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month – a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of the diverse communities that make up the API diaspora in the United States and Canada. From the early days of immigration, through exclusionary laws and labor exploitation, to today’s vibrant expressions of art, activism, and community leadership, the API story is one of resilience, creativity, and the ongoing struggle against invisibility.
API Heritage Month is not just about celebration – it is also about remembrance and resistance. It is a time to acknowledge the profound impact of API individuals in shaping the U.S. and Canada, from building transcontinental railroads to leading civil rights movements. It is also a moment to confront the continuing realities of racism, xenophobia, and cultural erasure that many in our communities continue to face. The “model minority” myth, for example, flattens our diverse experiences and silences those among us who are most marginalized – immigrants, refugees, Pacific Islanders, low-wage workers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others whose stories are too often overlooked.
I hope for a future where we no longer need a designated month to celebrate, because justice, love, and equity are fully realized, and diversity is truly respected in everyday life and throughout our society. Until that day comes, however, this month remains an important time for us to reclaim our narratives and share the stories of our elders, ancestors, and everyday heroes who have navigated complex identities and crossed cultural borders. Our heritage is not monolithic; it spans vast geographies, languages, histories, and spiritual traditions. From the Philippines to Samoa, from Korea to Laos, from India to Hawai’i, our communities carry both ancient wisdom and contemporary hope.
This month invites us to reflect: What does it mean to belong? How do we create spaces where our identities are not only recognized but honored? How can we stand in solidarity with other communities of color and all who are pushed to the margins by systems of power?
These questions make API Heritage Month also a call to action – a reminder that we must keep working for justice, equity, and healing. It challenges us to deepen intergenerational conversations, to support API artists and storytellers, and to amplify voices that are often unheard. It invites educators, faith leaders, and community organizers to reflect critically on how histories are taught and whose knowledge is valued.
Let this month be a time of both celebration and commitment – a celebration of the beauty and strength within our communities, and a commitment to building a future where all people can flourish. As we honor our ancestors and elders, let us also empower the next generation to lead with courage, compassion, and a deep sense of belonging.
Furthermore, as we observe API Heritage Month, may this be a time for us to reflect on whether there are voices within our Disciples communities that have been marginalized, erased, or silenced. Jesus Christ consistently uplifted those on the margins, restored dignity to those disregarded, breathed life into weary souls, and gave voice to those denied the right to speak. Following in Christ’s footsteps, may we, as Disciples, strive to create spaces where all people are treated with equal respect, truly heard, and allowed to exist fully and safely. May this month be more than a celebration – may it be a starting point for listening, embracing, and envisioning a new kind of community together.
This post also appeared in the May 2025 issue of the New Church Know-It-All.
