Could is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, throughout which People have fun the contributions of Asian People and Pacific Islanders have and have needed to the USA. Usually within the shuffle of year-round celebrations, we overlook Pacific Islanders, who’ve a fancy relationship with our nation, particularly Native Hawaiians.
Hawaii turned the fiftieth state in 1959 after 61 years of annexation, and after what is taken into account the unlawful overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893. From this tidbit, we study that Hawaii was its personal kingdom. It is usually the one place in the USA to have a royal palace – Iolani Palace. Whereas Hawaii is a phenomenal place to go to, I would encourage everybody to assume extra deeply about our fiftieth state.
Right here in Oklahoma, everyone knows and perceive that we’re on Indigenous land. Do you notice the identical is true whenever you set foot in Hawaii? While you go to the Aloha State, you’re standing in a land of people that have deep ties and connections to their homeland and a wealthy historical past previous to colonization. Hell, mirror on the truth that there are individuals nonetheless alive who keep in mind Hawaii previous to statehood.
An effective way to have fun Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month is studying extra about Hawaii, and never simply the snorkeling, browsing, tiki bars, shave ice. Study what occurred to the Hawaiian royal household – they’re nonetheless dwelling! – study in regards to the Hawaiian language – there’s extra than simply aloha – study well-known Hawaiians like Haunani-Kay Trask, an activist for Hawaiian sovereignty.
Planning a visit to Hawaii? Learn extra about what Native Hawaiians need you to know and assist them defend their communities. Like different indigenous communities, they’ve been hit laborious by COVID and touring thoughtfully – as I hope you do anyplace – could be an effective way to point out respect to individuals from such a phenomenal place.
It may be enjoyable to have fun the nice issues Asian cultures have blessed us with: nice meals, anime, yoga and far more. We additionally have to do not forget that not all of these issues have been welcome and one thing the USA simply took. I would encourage everybody to assume exterior the field of simply the pleasant and dig deeper into the complexities of {our relationships} with others, this time particularly Hawaii, and what we will do to be extra knowledgeable, construct stronger connections to these round us, and nonetheless have fun all of the innovation, pleasure, creativity.
As all the time, to have fun Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month, I encourage you to help domestically owned Asian and Pacific Islander owned companies, discover authors and artists from the group to help as properly. At all times keep in mind although: Hawaii was – and is – a kingdom.
Kasey Rhone is the general public applications and engagement supervisor at Ahha Tulsa.