Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations across Long Island this May have featured festivals, cultural performances and community gatherings, but many local Asian leaders say the larger goal extends far beyond a single month on the calendar.

For Steve Chen, co-president of the Great Neck Chinese Association and a trustee with the Great Neck Public Schools, that work includes helping students better understand Asian American history as part of the broader American story.

Later this month, the Great Neck Chinese Association is sponsoring a district trip for secondary school administrators and executive team members to the Museum of Chinese in America in Manhattan. Chen said the program grew out of conversations about expanding Asian American and Pacific Islander education in one of the region’s most diverse school districts.

“We are a very diverse district, and more than half of our students are Asian,” Chen said. “I think it’s important for our children to understand the contributions Asian Americans have made to this country and to American society.”

Chen said district leaders hope the initiative will eventually expand to elementary schools as well.

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released this year, Asian residents now make up about 14.1% of Nassau County’s population, up from roughly 4.7% in 2000. Suffolk County’s Asian population has also steadily increased, reflecting broader demographic changes across Long Island.

Community leaders say that growth has translated into greater visibility in civic life, schools and local government, along with a stronger push for cross-cultural understanding.

“AAPI Month is just the first step toward a full assimilation and celebration of Asian heritage within American history,” Chen said. “I don’t want AAPI to be celebrated for 31 days in May and that is it. ”

Chen said cultural education and shared events can help counter division during a time when national rhetoric surrounding immigration has become increasingly polarized.

“We hope all children will learn they are valued members of society,” he said. “It’s important that we share our culture and our heritage so people understand we have very similar values — family and hardworking.”

Source: LI Press