How to use transit to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1, 2023
May 1, 2023
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. This month pays tribute to Americans who trace their heritage to countries across the Asian continent, Native Hawaiians, and descendants of the Pacific islands of Melanesia and Polynesia. The month of May was chosen to commemorate AAPI heritage due to the significant developments labored and led by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, specifically the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May of 1869, with the majority of workers hailing from China. To commemorate the invaluable efforts and cultural contributions AAPI individuals have made, take transit to explore multicultural neighborhoods around the city, partake in celebratory events, and much more.
Most popularly known as “Asia on Argyle,” this Uptown hotspot listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the hub of a variety of local businesses, family-owned restaurants, and supermarkets dedicated to serving authentic and delicious cuisine and products from Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, and Thai roots. Located just off the Argyle Red Line stop, it’s easily one of the most accessible and tasty adventures in Chicagoland.
Where: Argyle Street and surrounding area in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago
How to get there:
Locally known as “Little India,” this West Ridge neighborhood corridor is bustling with food, culture, and shopping. With a vibrant mix of cultures from Pakistan, India, China, and many other countries from South and East Asia, it won’t be hard to find vegetarian, vegan, or traditional foods with a local twist on Devon Avenue.
Where: Devon Avenue and surrounding area in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago
How to get there:
Visit one of the most accessible and fastest growing neighborhoods in the city to be immersed in a thriving hub of Chinese culture. Chinatown hosts a plethora of Asian-inspired public art and parks, museums and art galleries, shops, bakeries, and restaurants, making Chicago’s one of the largest Chinatowns in the country.
Where: Chinatown neighborhood
How to get there:
From May 12-21, 2023, join the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, a non-profit organization whose stated mission is to advance the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, for their AAPI Chicagoland Restaurant Week. With dozens of participating restaurants and street food vendors, this week is meant to showcase restaurants owned by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from both Chicago and the suburbs. Check out the link for their 76-page directory sorted by neighborhood/suburb, cuisine, and restaurant name.
Where: Chicagoland
How to get there: Varies by restaurant, with more detailed instructions on their website.
Co-hosted by OCA Greater Chicago, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago, the Asian American Executive Network, Chicago Asian Network, and the Illinois Institute of Technology Alumni Association, a Community Kick-Off will take place on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to kickstart the monthlong celebration. Enjoy speakers and performers and the opportunity to learn about the most pressing issues for the AAPI community.
Where: MTCC Auditorium & Ballroom, 3201 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
How to get there:
Visit the Chicago History Museum on Sunday, May 21, in commemoration of the first Japanese immigrant arrived in the US on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built by Chinese immigrant workers. This celebration is included with general admission.
Where: 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
How to get there:
Supporting and celebrating AAPI enterprises, events, and places can be done year-round. Check out the Chicago Public Library’s Guide to find more events celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and their respective cultures.
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