Where in Phoenix can you celebrate the AAP Culture?, by Yvonne McFadden.

Can You Celebrate the AAPI Culture?

By Yvonne McFadden

In respect of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) heritage month which is celebrated in May, we are highlight some of the areas that are best suitable to explore this culture.

But even before we get into the nitty-gritty details about this amazing places, it is with great pleasure and honor that we continue our long tradition to celebrate this community. As such, we hope that you will spend more time enriching yourself with the rich heritage of the AAPI community in Phoenix and also throughout the nation.

But before that, much like every other Western part of the United States, Phoenix (greater Phoenix) saw its first wave of the AAPI community arrive in the late 19th century. Ever since, we’ve seen this community grow and become a key component of the Phoenix’s rich and diversified culture adding numerous contributions in terms of arts, cuisine, retail, hospitality, medical and so much more. In light of this and also because the AAPI spirit still is in the air despite many challenges especially in the past year, there are festivities, restaurants, attractions and other businesses that represent the various cultures within the Phoenix’s AAPI Community.

But, here are some great where you can visit to experience the rich heritage of this community.

THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

This is a must see. The garden sits on a 3.5 acre land and an almost perfect replica of another stroll garden in Himeji Japan. The Garden, names Ro Ho En- Ro to mean Heron, Ho to mean Phoenix Bird and En garden and in full “Heron Phoenix Bird Garden.”

The thing that I love about this garden is that it features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rocks, stone foot bridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants. This garden is a tranquil of beauty and a worthy place to visit to experience the full Japanese culture.

For me, the center of attraction has always been the 12-foot Koi Pond with over 300 colorful koi fish. There are also tea garden and tea house that open the stage for Colorful Japanese cultural programs, events and also exhibits.

THE MUSEUM OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Music moves the world and Phoenix couldn’t be Phoenix without the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). This is a place packed with rich and deep culture showcasing the AAPI community creativity through more than 6,800 musical instruments and objects from every corner of the globe. It is the perfect place to go to learn the language of the soul. The multimedia set in this museum opens a whole new world where you get to hear, see and feel the creative spirit of the people as they play their instruments.

The highlight of the MIM would be the five Geographic Galleries and among these is the Asia and Oceania Gallery featuring instruments from countries and island groups in the five subgalleries that are devoted to the regions of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia Oceania and Central Asia and Caucasus.

Some of the events that you cannot miss during Nom Nom Noodles Festival, starring Asianinspired, fusion and other global pasta dishes, or the Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival, featuring a range from traditional to creative interpretations conveniently packed meal — both of which serve up flavor and culture to droves of hungry foodies and social media gurus and families alike.

AND… LET’S NOT FORGET ABOUT HOUSING!

It’s easy to get lost in all the new experiences that you are about to experience from the rich and diverse culture of the AAPI community in Phoenix. I think one of the ways we can truly help the Asian American and Pacific Islanders feel special about this month is by providing them with the tools necessary to make their living better, and homeownership is one! While, at first glance AAPI community seems to be doing better for itself in terms of housing (60.6% are homeowners), this number falls below the national average of 65%.

The challenges the community face continues to grow by the day mostly catapulted by the hate crimes and subsequent housing discrimination forcing many to stay in their current communities rather than move to new and unfamiliar places. We must overcome this which is why I invite members of the AAPI Community who want to become homeowners in Phoenix reach out to me today. I will show you how we can get you in a home today with little to no money down! In the meantime, let’s get geared up to experience the fun ahead!