LOS ANGELES – The city of Los Angeles celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this Sunday, May 19th. This event is co-hosted by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Councilmember John S. Lee and AAPI LA, an initiative introduced by the city.
“Asian American Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles are part of the vibrant cultural fabric of this city,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “We hope Angelenos from all over the region will join us in recognizing Asian American Pacific Islander cultures and heritages at Smorgasburg - an annual event that showcases the diversity and talent within the AAPI communities.”
This event includes local AAPI chefs, restaurateurs and makers at Smroagasburg commemorating this month featuring savory bites, baked goods, pre-packaged foods, and merchandise. A percentage of sale proceeds will support AAPI LA’s efforts to champion local AAPI non-profit organizations, amplify AAPI stories and concerns, and fuel greater collaboration among the City’s diverse AAPI community.
“It is a pleasure to see so many talented individuals come together to again produce the AAPI LA Market, a beloved celebration of AAPI creatives in Los Angeles. Throughout its existence, AAPI LA has worked to amplify AAPI voices in all arenas, and I applaud their continued efforts to create an environment of inclusion that celebrates the community's diversity.” said Councilmember John S. Lee, co-chair of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month.
AAPI LA brings together organizations, community leaders, and corporate partners to increase cross-collaboration and outreach, ensuring that AAPI Angelenos have a seat at every table.
"Lifting up chefs, and humans, from every corner of the world has been at the core of Smorgasburg’s mission since we launched 16 years ago, so it gives our team great pride to welcome Mayor Bass, esteemed Councilmembers, and more to our annual AAPI celebration,” said Eric Demby, co-founder of Smorgasburg. “The Smorgasburg chefs and businesses from our AAPI community not only serve the comfort foods that Americans have grown to love, but have introduced our guests to regional delicacies, innovative takes on hometown classics, and cross-cultural collaborations that uncover the diverse stories and identities at our markets.”
This event will be held on Sunday, May 19 at Smorgasburg at the ROW DTLA from 10 AM to 4 PM. Entry is free and open to all. Several returning businesses include 626 Hospitality Group, Beard Papa’s, Nam Coffee, Rooted Fare, and Wokstar Catering. Programming will incorporate a Mini Mart showcasing startup CPG brands, a kids corner with Mandarin Arts Studio, book author signing with Teach AAPI, and mahjong tutorials with LA Mahjong League. Other partners who will be engaging with the community include LA Civil Rights, LA Sanitation and KGPeco. Joining this year as the official media partner is GoldenTV, the first streaming platform that combines API stories into one limitless, creator-centric home with talk shows, documentaries, exclusive interviews, event coverage and more. GoldenTV will be hosting promotions throughout the day, with prizes including subscriptions and LED TVs.