AAPI Heritage Month Programs Throughout May at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
(Brooklyn, NY) – Throughout May, Brooklyn Children’s Museum will celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a vibrant series of weekly cultural programs taking place every Thursday at 3:00 pm during the Museum’s free Community Access hours.
Families can look forward to hands-on activities that explore the diversity of AAPI cultural traditions, from delicious dumpling-making to energetic Indian dance, and mini Mandarin lessons.
Children, families, and caregivers of all backgrounds can take part in this uplifting, annual celebration of AAPI heritage that encourages participants to reflect on their own culture and to learn about that of their neighbors.
Of the five boroughs, Brooklyn has the city’s second-largest Asian population at over 370,0000, per the 2020 Census results.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the diverse stories and cultures of our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors this May,” says Dylan House, Director of Public Programs at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “We’re grateful to our incredible community partners who are gearing up to share the richness and creativity of AAPI communities with Brooklyn families.”
Schedule of Events:
Storytime with Anu Sehgal
Thursday, May 7, 3:00 pm–3:45 pm
Join author Anu Sehgal as she reads her newly published book I Am a Lotus, which is about using mindfulness, meditation, and reflection to become a lotus in mind and body. The story encourages young readers to pause and reflect on their deep connection with this wonder of nature. After the reading, learn and practice Lotus meditation and movement activities, get a temporary lotus tattoo, and participate in an art-making activity.
Dumpling-Making with Christine Wong
Thursday, May 14, 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Join author and plant-based chef Christine Wong for an East Asian-style dumpling-making workshop. Learn to roll dumpling wrappers and fold them in different ways using all types of colorful dough. Get a taste of Chef Wong’s delicious veggie dumplings and take your own dumplings home to cook and eat later!
Storytelling and Dance Workshop with Ajna Dance Company
Thursday, May 21, 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Learn expressive hand gestures (mudras) and explore the storytelling traditions of Indian dance. Participate in movement activities that communicate without words, play games celebrating unity and kindness, and discover the cultural power of dance.
Storytime with Michele Wong McSween
Thursday, May 28, 3:00 pm–4:45 pm
Join author Michele Wong McSween for a special reading of Gordon & Li Li: Learn Animals in Mandarin. Children and adults will learn a zoo full of animals in English and Mandarin from Michele’s best selling book. This program offers a mini-Mandarin lesson, book reading, and an interactive art project. Books and plushies will be available for purchase.
Community Access Thursdays, which offer free admission to all visitors from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, are made possible by Amazon. Reserve tickets online at: https://www.brooklynkids.org/tickets/.
About Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Inspired by the energy and diversity of our borough, Brooklyn Children’s Museum creates experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity, and cultivate joyful learning. Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum is New York City’s largest cultural institution designed especially for families. Proudly based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, BCM serves 300,000 children and caregivers annually through exhibits and programs grounded in visual arts, music and performance, natural science, and world cultures.
For more information, visit www.brooklynkids.org.