AAPI Heritage Month
May 2026
SPONSORS
About AAPI Heritage Month
AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, to honor and learn about our history, cultures and achievements, and to promote understanding and inclusion.
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad — where Chinese immigrants played a crucial role — on May 10, 1869.
As conversations shift around how we recognize and celebrate different communities, it remains essential to foster understanding and bring people together.
We’re excited to bring SOMA Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month back for another year, with more events, a bigger venue, and additional engagement.
Support AAPI Heritage Month by donating via Venmo to @soma-ccw.
Events
May 3
4:30-7:30pm
Movie Night: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
FREE screening and snacks. Plus a martial arts demonstration by Zen Wushu Academy, and special introduction by the film's editor, and local resident, Tim Squyres!
Box Office Cinemas, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ
May 9
1-3pm
Holi Fest NJ
Holi is the festival of colors celebrated by throwing powdered dye at each other to honor spring, love, fertility.
Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ
May 13
4-5pm
Kids Hour: Yijia Bu
A reading, craft and calligraphy.
South Orange Public Library, The Baird, South Orange, NJ
May 17
1-4pm
AAPI Celebration and Potluck
Delicious dishes from Pandang, Neelam, Mochimoly, and the community.
Performances by:
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Zen Wushu Academy (martial arts)
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Columbia High School Mandarin Program
(songs and tai chi), -
SOMA Dance Mob (Kpop Demon Hunter tutorial)
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FA Dance (Chinese ribbon and sword dances)
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Real Music Blood (hip hop dance)
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NJ Tae Kwon Do Chung Do Kwan (martial arts)
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Sea Sharp (Filipino and pop music)
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Bloomy Remy (Filipino and pop music)
Plus face painting by SOMA Pop Party, henna by Henna by Shweta, mahjong with Sparrow Social Club, and karaoke.
Gym, The Baird, South Orange, NJ
AAPI Month 2025
AAPI Month through the years
How You Can Support Us
Volunteer
We are continuously seeking dedicated volunteers to assist in planning and organizing our events. Your involvement is invaluable to our success
Contact aapi@somaccw.org
Donate
All our festivals and initiatives are funded by the generosity of community donors. Our festivals are free to the public, and donations are tax-deductible.
Venmo @soma-ccw
Sponsor
Corporate and small business sponsors form the backbone of our support.
Our well-attended events offer excellent marketing opportunities.
Contact aapi@somaccw.org
Organizers
Lanny Cheuck
Organizer
Committee
Ran Baker, Chi Nguyen Brauner, Mike Choi, Deepak Jhalani, Mona Karim, Blake Smith