Throughout the month of May 2023, celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with events and activities across Memphis.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Book Displays
Throughout the month of May
Visit the Benjamin L. Hooks public library (3030 Poplar Avenue) and Novel bookstore (387 Perkins Extd.) for displays of books by Asian American authors.
Let’s Grab Coffee on WYXR Radio Show Interview
Monday, May 1st | 11:00am-12:00pm CST | WYXR.org or 91.7FM Memphis
Tune in for an engaging conversation about Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the local celebrations, and the histories of our local Asian American communities.
Let’s Grab Coffee is a weekly interview-style radio show hosted by Dr. SunAh M Laybourn. On this special AAPI Heritage Month episode, Dr. Laybourn sits on the other side of the microphone as she’s interviewed by multimedia journalist and WYXR Program Director, Jared “Jay B” Boyd. This show kicks off special AAPI Heritage Month programming on Let’s Grab Coffee. Subscribe to the show on Apple and Spotify.
Memphis City Council AAPI Heritage Month Proclamation
Tuesday, May 2nd | 3:30pm CST | City Hall 125 N Main Street
Join us at City Hall as the Memphis City Council presents a Proclamation in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Happy Hour Kick-Off with Good Fortune
Tuesday, May 9th | 5:00pm-8:00pm CST | Good Fortune 361 S Main Street
Join us for scratch made dishes inspired by authentic Asian flavors and speciality cocktails featuring Asian spirits (NA beverages will also be available).
All You Can Drink:
⭐️Hot Sake 🍶
⭐️Irusu Rice Lager by Wiseacre Brewing Company
⭐️ Suntory Whisky Cocktail
⭐️ Suntory Haku Vodka Cocktail
Tickets are $30 and available via Eventbrite.
A special screening of Nailed It!
Wednesday, May 10th | 6:00pm-8:00pm CST | National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry Street
In virtually every city, state and strip mall across the U.S., women get their nails done in salons likely owned by Vietnamese entrepreneurs. How did this community come to dominate an $8 billion dollar nail economy? Nailed It takes viewers from Los Angeles to the Bronx to meet the diverse people and relationships behind this booming and enigmatic trade.
Join the National Civil Rights Museum’s Unpacking Racism for Action ADVANCE edition for the documentary screening to examine how the Vietnamese American nail industry emerged and unpack the stigma surrounding Asian Americans in the beauty industry.
A Very Asian Reading Day
Monday, May 15th
Books serve as mirrors and as windows. Seeing oneself represented in a book serves as self-affirmation. Exposure to diverse perspectives through literature can help children develop empathy and understanding towards others. For our AAPI Heritage Month reading day, volunteers will read Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Khang illustrated by Charlene Chua at local elementary schools before engaging in an arts and crafts project. Of course, no special day is complete without a pizza party!
Thank you to The Very Asian Foundation for donating books with Asian American protagonists to our local school libraries.
Shelby County Commissioners’ AAPI Heritage Month Proclamation
Monday, May 15th | 3:00pm CST | County Administration Building 160 N Main Street
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners presents a resolution honoring and celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Open to the public.
Asian American in the South Art Exhibition presented by Google
Thursday, May 18th | 6:00pm CST | Museum of Science & History 3050 Central Avenue
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a nationwide celebration that centers the rich history, notable contributions, and diverse experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
This exhibition showcases the creativity of Asian American artists with roots in or connections to Memphis. Featured artists include Tommy Kha, Erin Kim Siao, Anna Cai, Shameka Carter, LiLi Nacht, Yidan Zeng, Sharon Havelka, Vivian Havelka, and Neena Wang.
The first 100 guests will also enjoy a limited edition custom AAPI Heritage Month Phillip Ashley chocolate collection. Speciality themed cocktails will be available, sponsored by Inkwell.
Admission is FREE with RVSP.
Commit to Memphis Dinner
Monday, May 22nd | 5:00pm CST | Dim Sum King 5226 Summer Avenue
Join fellow Memphians, who are committed to making Memphis a safe and equitable city for all, for a delicious feast at Dim Sum King. AAPI Heritage Month Memphis organizer, Dr. SunAh Laybourn will share some of our city’s Asian American history and present Asian American communities.
Everything Everywhere All At Once screening
Friday May 26th | 6:30pm CST | Comeback Coffee 358 N Main Street
It wouldn't be an Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration without a screening of the award-winning history-making Everything Everywhere All At Once!
Everything Everywhere All At Once was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning 7 awards including Best Picture, Best Actress (our queen Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actor (the one who's stolen our hearts Ke Huy Quan), and Best Film Editing. Did you know that Memphis's own Chassidy Jade was part of the post-production editing team? She'll be our special guest at the screening to talk a little bit about working on the film & what she has upcoming!
Thank you to our sponsors and community partners for making the inaugural month-long AAPI Heritage Month Memphis celebration possible!
Ink & Kimchi
Edible Memphis
WYXR 91.7 FM Memphis
KQ Communications
Lifestyle Screen Printing
National Civil Rights Museum Unpacking Racism for Action program
The Lynne & Henry Turley Memphis Center
The Bonner Center for Community Engagement at Rhodes College
Friends & Co
Inkwell
Phillip Ashley Chocolates
The Very Asian Foundation
Commit to Memphis
Comeback Coffee
Pop-a-Roos Popcorn
Mosa Asian Bistro
Blank Beauty
Chinese Historical Society of Memphis & the Mid-South