White House honors close of Asian American heritage month with celebrity appearances, reauthorizes WHIAANHPI

As Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to a close, the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC), and PBS will be hosting “A Celebration of the AA and NHPI Community: Highlighting Our Diverse Tapestry.” Following a year of immense challenges for AA and NHPI communities, this event will celebrate the diversity of experience and culture across their communities, uplift AA and NHPI voices, acknowledge the harm and suffering anti-Asian violence has caused this year, and look toward a future of continued healing, strength, and solidarity. Guest speakers include President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and several celebrity guests such as Yo-Yo Ma, Lea Salonga, and Auliʻi Cravalho. Click here for full details and line-up. The event premieres Monday May 31, on Facebook and YouTube at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT/2:00 p.m. HT.

The event comes on the heels of the announcement that the White House will reauthorize the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). The longer name reflects the addition of Native Hawaiians to the acronym after steady efforts from community advocates.

MHC