During Memorial weekend, students from Green Level, Panther Creek, Green Hope, Enloe, Chapel Hill, East Chapel Hill, and NCSSM high schools gathered to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month.

 

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With a crowd of around 200 people, there were various performances, food, music, and activities. Clubs at Green Level like Asian American club and South Asian Student Association tabled and provided opportunities from zines and cookies to stickers and henna. Performers like Enloe PE Chance and Morning Harmony performed acts from Bollywood dancing to Ghibli music.

And as API poetry and artwork surrounded the tofu stir fry and samosas at Sears Farm Park, space was also created for the victims of white supremacy with a memorial table covered in flowers, candles, and words from attendees.

While many schools and venues themselves failed to acknowledge the month and rejected to host the event, API students took the initiative to find their own speakers, space, microphones, and stage: celebrating AAPI joy and strength after years of hardship within the community.

The event was organized by a coalition of API high schoolers and led by Afetiria, a youth-led organization.

Gallery • 11 Photos

C. Barello

Students watch performers on the field.