Milwaukee City Wire

MPS students and staff are coming together to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, observed throughout May. The community is invited to join the Asian Heritage Community Celebration at South Division High School, where performances and cultural showcases will take place.

The Asian Heritage Community Celebration at South Division High School, located at 1515 W. Lapham Blvd, is a platform for students and families to come together. The event will feature various performances including dancing, singing, live music, and a fashion show starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. The celebration will also include henna application, food stands offering a variety of Asian cuisines, and prizes donated by a local group.

According to the Milwaukee Public Schools, about 8 percent of the student population is of Asian heritage, with approximately 14 percent of students at South Division identifying themselves as Asian. The school has a diverse Asian student population, including individuals from cultural groups such as Rohingya, Karen, Hmong, and Thai.

In addition to South Division High School, other schools in the district have also held events to celebrate Asian culture. Pulaski High School and Rufus King International High School recently hosted their own Asian Heritage Month celebrations.

The significance of May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States is rooted in history. It marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the country in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrants.

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin recently signed Act 266 into law, which mandates the teaching of Asian American and Hmong American history, culture, and contributions in Wisconsin schools. This initiative aims to promote awareness and understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the state.

As the month progresses, the MPS community continues to honor and celebrate the diverse heritage and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.