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Oakland Unified School District

OUSD Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating diverse cultures and contributions.
OUSD Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
OUSD Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
OUSD Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May, we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. Coming from a vast and diverse region that includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands, AAPI Americans have shaped every facet of American life. In fact, AAPI communities have long been at the heart of the region's dynamic story, from building the transcontinental railroad to leading social justice movements and driving technological advancements.

AAPI Heritage Month is both a celebration and a call to deepen our understanding of the complexities and richness of AAPI identities. It is a time to recognize the resilience of communities that have faced exclusion and discrimination, and continue to rise and thrive. By celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with thoughtful awareness, we honor the past and actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for every student and family in our community.

Here are a few inspiring individuals from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities whose contributions have shaped California and the Bay Area, leaving a lasting mark on our shared history:

Black and white photo of an older man wearing glasses, looking thoughtfully into the distance.

Philip Vera Cruz

Philip Vera Cruz was a pioneering Filipino American labor leader who fought for farm workers' rights in California's Central Valley. After immigrating in the 1920s, he became a key organizer of the historic 1965 Delano Grape Strike and worked alongside César Chávez to establish the United Farm Workers union. His advocacy helped secure better wages, working conditions, and dignity for thousands of predominantly immigrant agricultural workers throughout California.
A man in a suit and tie seated in front of a bookcase filled with books.

Harvey Itano

Harvey Itano was a groundbreaking Japanese American biochemist whose research revolutionized our understanding of genetic diseases. Born in Sacramento and later interned during World War II, he conducted pioneering research on sickle cell anemia and became the first to identify its molecular basis. His scientific contributions earned him the distinction of becoming the first Japanese American elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences and established the foundation for molecular medicine.
An Asian woman sitting at a table, reading a book with a focused expression.

Amy Tan

Amy Tan is an influential Chinese American author whose literary works have profoundly shaped American literature and cultural understanding. Born in Oakland to immigrant parents, she drew from her experiences to write "The Joy Luck Club," which became both a bestselling novel and acclaimed film. Her rich narratives exploring mother-daughter relationships, generational trauma, and cultural identity have given voice to the Chinese American experience and resonated with readers worldwide.
A woman wearing a black shirt and black blazer, standing confidently with a neutral expression.

Cecilia Chung

Cecilia Chung is a renowned civil rights advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, LGBT equality, and social justice. After immigrating from Hong Kong to San Francisco in 1984, she became the first transgender woman and Asian to lead the SF LGBT Pride Board and the first transgender woman with HIV to chair the SF Human Rights Commission. Chung established pioneering economic justice initiatives for transgender communities through the city's Transgender Discrimination Task Force.

Here are resources that will help schools and families foster understanding and appreciation for the AAPI members of our community:

  • This guide from OUSD’s Office of Equity offers resources and suggestions for how our schools, families, and communities can celebrate and honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander students, families, and staff.
  • Watch this episode of "Inside OUSD" featuring Asian & Pacific Islander Targeted Student Intervention Specialist John Lauti from our Office of Equity. He shares the meaning and purpose of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the challenges for these communities in Oakland.

We also want to share the voices of two wonderful staff members who speak on the importance of their heritage and this celebration.

A woman wearing a green jacket and sunglasses stands in front of a park, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Rebecca Huang

Principal of Skyline High School

What it means is there are so many different types of Asian ethnicities and ancestries, so it’s pretty cool to bring them all together, and everybody comes together… because (people) do, sometimes they do stay in their own little pockets of different types of ethnicities (staying away from other AAPI ethnicities), it’s really common. So, it’s nice to get together and celebrate. I think it’s especially important because of right now, in these times, and all the splintering and the recent anti-Asian sentiment, it’s been scary for the elderly to be walking around… so I think it’s really lovely to see all our students and staff coming together in one big OUSD community celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage. I think it’s really nice.
A diverse group of people poses together in front of a colorful movie poster, smiling and engaging with the camera.

Tracy Williams

Ikuna Organization Facilitator at Castlemont High School

My family is descended from Captain James Cook. They fed everybody in the islands, and they would give the biggest piece to the King and Queen. I would hear stories of my grandpa jumping into the ocean with a spear to chase the sharks away. My favorite trips were going to New Zealand and hearing other villagers and community members tell me stories about my family. Working with students, I get to make a difference by pouring love into my community. We're losing some of our traditions. There's an identity crisis for some of our kids. We're using creative art as a revolutionary tool to raise awareness while teaching them about their culture and history. We want the kids to feel proud of where they come from. One of our goals is to show them they're beautiful kids with a rich history and beautiful culture.

Reading List

We have also curated a reading list featuring a variety of books suitable for different ages and reading levels that showcase the diverse experiences and perspectives of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. All students are invited to explore these stories for free in our digital District Library on Sora.

Kapae'eauu by David Simon, an abstract artwork featuring vibrant colors and fluid shapes, evoking a sense of movement.

Kapaemahu

(Kinder - 2nd Grade)
Footprints in the snow, titled "My Footprints" by Brian Pierce, showcasing a serene winter scene.

My Footprints

(Kinder - 3rd Grade)
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Sonton, featuring a detailed illustration of a vintage map and compass.

The Last Mapmaker

(3rd - 6th Grade)
A group of students participating in fun activities during a school year tryout event, showcasing teamwork and enthusiasm.

The Tryout

(4th - 8th Grade)
The cover of "The Magic Fish" by Trinh Le Nguyen, featuring vibrant illustrations of a fish and a young boy.

The Magic Fish

(High School)

Oakland Unified is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students and staff from every background feel valued and respected. We honor the profound contributions of the AAPI communities and know their heritage is an integral part of Oakland's identity.

We know students and staff at schools across the District will take part in celebrations and educational opportunities, and we wish everyone a happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.