In Recognition and Celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

In efforts to encourage organizations to promote collaboration, development, and leadership amongst Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (AAPI) members, the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s (FAPAC) theme for AAPI Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders through Collaboration.

When I first moved to Indianapolis, one of the first places I visited was the Philippines Cultural Community Center. As a first generation immigrant from the Philippines, I always look for opportunities for interaction with other Asian Americans with the same heritage and upbringing. This is something I appreciate deeply about the Asian community, the ability to connect with each other wherever they are, and the resilience to survive and prosper amidst a global pandemic, and the hate crimes that continue to affect our family and friends.

These anti-Asian sentiments are a byproduct of the past racist policies that restricted or banned Asian Americans to integrate into wider American society. It has brought about stereotypes, microaggressions, and misconceptions that continue to affect the confidence and safety for Asians in their workspace and personal lives. However, the progress through social justice movements, government acknowledgements of past racial injustices, and the increase of Asian representation in entertainment and arts, represent a growing momentum for a more inclusive society.

As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, here are a few things I’d like to highlight for everyone to consider and support:

• Support AAPI organizations & businesses: Indianapolis’ population includes thousands of individuals with heritage from China, the Philippines, Myanmar, Korea, India, Japan, Pakistan and many others. Indy is home to various Asian-owned restaurants, grocery stores, and markets located on 38th St. & Lafayette Road. The south side of Indy is also home to a large Chin population, creating businesses that contribute to the local economy. Organizations such as the Asian American Alliance Inc. and the Global Village Welcome Center offer great insights and resources on the Indy AAPI community.
• Uplift employee/community groups: Within LISC, the AAPI affinity group represents a safe and inclusive space for AAPI employees to interact and support each other. While these spaces are important, resources must also be available to uplift the community in times of need. Through the lens of the pandemic, the disparities and the challenges, we need tools and support from all levels of leadership to fully capitalize on the contributions and perspective of AAPI workers. As a member of this group, having collective support creates an empowered space for change.
• Implement equitable programs: As we create, implement, and support ongoing programs, it is important to acknowledge the barriers AAPI groups face to find funding for their ventures. Language accessibility, cultural stigma, and immigration status are obstacles that limit participation for AAPIs to seek assistance.

By understanding the experiences, values, and belief systems of our communities, we can create culturally competent programs that are more equitable for all to partake in.

- Ephraim Palmero,  LISC Indianapolis Assistant Program Officer, Food Systems