On Saturday, May 21stt, 2022, hundreds of performers, volunteers, and guests around the community gathered at the Upper Dublin Public Library to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Those from similar yet distinct ethnic cultures enthusiastically shared their traditions, experiences, and performances with the public.

This event began with an orchestrated performance conducted by Mrs. Yang from the Upper Dublin High School. The sophisticated strings performed a variety of well-known compositions from Korean and Japanese backgrounds such as River Flows in You, Life Goes On, and Merry Go Round of Life. The applause of the audience erupted throughout the auditorium. Following the concert, Mrs. Cheri Fiory, Director of Upper Dublin Public Library, set off with an opening speech to kick off the event. An award ceremony hosted by Dr. Ling Liang, Vice-president of the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association, was held for the Upper Dublin students who submitted their artwork as a contribution to the AAPI celebration highlighting cultural backgrounds, significance, contributions, and struggles. Organized by Dr. Zhigen Zhao and Phil Chang, this art contest began in March. It was split into 3 categories: Elementary school, middle school, and high school. Each category consisted of first, second, and third place winners. Judges composed of Upper Dublin art teachers and a local Chinese art instructor received over 70 spectacular submissions which were on display in the lobby of the library for guest viewing throughout the month of May. The artwork came with descriptions audible by scanning the QR codes associated with each individual piece.

Subsequently, a panel discussion took place in the auditorium. The discussion featured Mr. Shaohao Wu, a young successful entrepreneur and Drexel graduate, as the main speaker as well as Raymond Zhao. The panelists focused their interactive discussion around personal experiences growing up as Asian-Americans and providing in-depth advice for both the younger generation and adults, in and outside of a working or school environment.

Meanwhile, various activities dispersed around the library including dumpling-making headed by Dr. Jiping Zhang, henna tattoos headed by Mrs. Sunita Baghele, Chinese calligraphy headed by Dr. Jianhua Zhao, and an Indonesian and Hindu folktale story time demonstrating Batik art transpired by librarian Chew Hoot for children and adults alike. More than 40 children queued up for henna tattoos, a practice that originated in areas such as Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East. During this time, an audience formed for a performance named “New Year’s Eve” executed by the young dancers of Guang Hua Chinese School which showcased a traditional Chinese-style dance.

The highlight of the cultural exploration was presented by over 65 members of the Boys and Girls Pennsylvania Commonwealth Youth choirs who serenaded the building with five songs, the finale being the famous Chinese song, “Mo-li Hua (Jasmine Flower).” The singers prepared for this song three months in advance, as it was impressively sung in Chinese. Dr. Yajing Zhu, the organizer of the event and co-chair of the Asian American Students and Families subcommittee of the UDSD Equity and Empowerment Steering Committee, stated that “The song ‘Mo-Li Hua’ caused a huge echo in our Chinese American community…so many wrote to her[me] that it was so moving and reminded them of home.” To conclude the event, the KyoDaiko Philadelphia Community Taiko Drummers, sponsored by The Friends of Upper Dublin Public Library, ended with a striking performance of traditional Japanese KyoDaiko drumming in front of the library. Even though it was scorching hot outside, groups of people gathered outside and enjoyed the beats and movements of the performers.

An overwhelming number of participants from diverse backgrounds assembled to appreciate the individual cultures of Asian American & Pacific Islanders to raise awareness and gratitude throughout the community. The Upper Dublin Public Library gave their unwavering support and provision of their brand new facility. The event held that Saturday could not have been successful without them and the efforts of the Asian American Students and Families subcommittee of UDSD Equity and Empowerment Steering Committee, the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association, and the Upper Dublin School District.

Photo Credit: Elina L. Photography