On October 30th, AAPI Montclair hosted its annual Diwali festival at the iconic Montclair Art Museum and honored the diverse, rich traditions of the South Asian diaspora. Featuring live performances, family-friendly arts & crafts, readings from local South Asian authors, and sweet and savory bites from popular neighborhood restaurants and food trucks.
On Saturday, September 17th, we gathered for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, jazz, dancing, and a silent and live auction. We were joined by honored guest Michelle Li, founder of Very Asian—whose story of celebrating the New Year by eating dumplings went viral—and acclaimed Michelin Star chefs, husband and wife duo Michael and Meichih Kim of Bǎo Bèi and formerly of Maum who offered a special tasting of dumplings inspired by Michelle's story during the Luminary cocktail hour.
On Sunday, June 5th, we illuminated the park with thousands of lanterns as a memorial to remember those killed and harmed by violence and injustice, including anti-Asian hate. We stand together against all forms of hate and celebrate community and solidarity, and our shared goals of securing justice for all.
On Tuesday, May 24, the Montclair Public Library and AAPI Montclair were pleased to welcome Jeff Yang, a bestselling writer and CNN commentator, and Phil Yu, the "Angry Asian Man" blogger, to discuss their exciting new mixed media book, "RISE: A Pop History of Asian America from the '90s to Now" with Michelle Germinario, the book club leader of AAPI Montclair. The hybrid program was co-sponsored by AAPI Montclair at the Vanguard Theatre in Montclair and was also available to livestream on Zoom.
"RISE" is available for purchase from our program partner, Watchung Booksellers in Montclair and is available to borrow from Montclair Public Library.
In honor of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month in May, we partnered with local organizations to create a calendar of can’t-miss cultural events and retail offerings that celebrate and lift up our community. Join us in learning more about AAPI flavors and experiences all around Montclair and beyond.
A 5K and 1-mile Fun Run to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi and Songkran, the Thai New Year.
This event combines two joyous festivals. Holi is a popular Hindu festival, also known as the "Festival of Colors" and the "Festival of Spring." On the day of Holi, entire streets and towns turn red, green and yellow as people throw colored powder into the air and splash them on others. Songkran in Thai means "to move" or "change place." Thai believe that water is purifying: it cleanses you of any bad luck or grievances from the past year, and blesses you with fortune and happiness for the year ahead. Songkran is known for its water festival and people celebrate by engaging in water fights.
In partnership with the Montclair Art Museum
Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people around the world, and for many, it is a time for family reunions, abundant food, and loud celebrations.
AAPI Montclair’s first-ever Lunar New Year celebration will feature family-friendly educational, cultural, and social activities to offer community members a chance to celebrate and learn about Lunar New Year together. Ring in the Year of the Tiger with cultural performances including a Chinese lion dance and Korean fan dance; arts & craft activities led by MAM educators; and in special theme food, drinks, and merchandise available for purchase, all in a COVID-cautious setting outside on the grounds of the Montclair Art Museum.
In partnership with the Montclair Art Museum
Diwali, the Indian the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions around the world, and for many, it is considered the beginning of the New Year, often coinciding with harvest celebrations in many countries. Our celebration on October 16th consisted of educational, cultural and social activities to inform community members about Diwali and to offer a chance to celebrate and learn together.
Our first annual Lantern Festival at Edgemont Park
An illuminated memorial for victims of anti-Asian hate and other forms of racist violence.
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