BROOKLYN. Over 300 people from Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) backgrounds gathered last Saturday, May 16, for the 2026 Brooklyn AAPI Heritage Month Festivity at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn.
The occasion was organized by 19 community organizations based in Brooklyn and revolved around this year’s theme, “Celebrate Unity, Embrace Diversity.” Families, local leaders, and neighborhood residents filled the school auditorium for a day rich in cultural displays, community acknowledgment, and sharing of resources.
Numerous elected officials and community representatives were also present at the occasion, discussing the significance of unity and supporting Brooklyn’s expanding AAPI communities. Among those attending were City Council Member Susan Zhuang. Senator Steven Chan, Assembly member Lester Chan and William Colton.
The celebration formally started at 11 a.m. Since the beginning, attendees enjoyed performances showcasing various Asian cultures, including a beautiful Thai umbrella dance, a traditional Balinese Pendet dance from Indonesia, and enchanting musical renditions by two child singers.
A notable highlight of the afternoon was the awards ceremony honoring three community leaders for their impactful contributions in public service, media, and civic engagement. The honorees included Hon. Lillian Wan, recognized as the first Asian American female judge on the New York State Supreme Court, the NYPD Captain Mohammad Islam and TV Director/Digital Creator, Naratama Rukmananda.
“This celebration is about more than honoring heritage, it’s about bringing communities together, uplifting voices, and recognizing the contributions of AAPI leaders who continue to shape our city,” said Wai Yee Chan, President & CEO of Homecrest Community Services, as the organizer. The event concluded by emphasizing the significance of mental health awareness in the AAPI community. Wong Yi-wah who leads the Mayor's office of Community Mental Health, showcased accessible mental health resources addressing the challenges many AAPI communities encounter in New York.
Participating AAPI organizer groups include Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), Apex for Youth, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)-Brooklyn Chapter, Bay Parkway Merchant Association, Brooklyn Chinese Volleyball Association, Chinese-American, Sports and Community Service Association (CASCSA), Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), Chinese American Social Services Center (CASS), Community Legal Aid Center, Empowerment of American Asians (EAA), Homecrest Community Services, New York Team Up, NY Laundromat Businesses Association, Parent-Child Relationship Association (PCR), South Brooklyn Community Coalition (SBCC), Reflex Recreation, Sharing Hearts, WenCun Association and United Chinese Association of Brooklyn (UCAB). They conveyed that the celebration intended to pay tribute to Brooklyn’s diverse cultural heritage while strengthening bonds among the various AAPI communities throughout the borough.
“In Southern Brooklyn, diversity is our strength, and this event reflects the unity and pride of our neighborhoods.” said the organizers to the press.
Coverage and written by Amanda Tamara. Photos by AAPI Southern Brooklyn Organizers
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