Honoring AANHPI Culture Through Youth
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. We recognize the deep beauty, strength, and creativity of these cultures. And the incredible ways young people are carrying them forward.
Each of these communities holds rich traditions, values, languages, and stories that shape American life today.
For youth workers, this month is an opportunity to uplift AANHPI youth, share their cultural legacies with all young people, and build programs where identity is celebrated and respected every day.
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Asian American culture
Asian American culture is a vibrant tapestry of languages, faiths, foods, philosophies, and art forms from countries like China, India, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and more. Its beauty is reflected in calligraphy and anime, dumplings and Diwali, community temples and TikTok trends.
Today’s Asian American youth are drawing from tradition while shaping the future. They’re building apps, writing books, cooking fusion meals, and leading movements. Their cultural heritage gives them a strong foundation. And their creativity is pushing American culture forward.
Youth spaces provide the perfect opportunity for cultural inclusion. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Share the arts of Asian cultures like origami, ink painting, music, or folktales. Explore their influence on modern creative art forms.
- Make space to talk about cultural identity, racism, and pride. Have small group conversation and let each young person share what they are learning about Asian American culture.
Asian American youth often walk between worlds. And they do it with strength and grace. They embrace their traditional roots while creating their own identities. Your programs can give them space to express themselves fully.
Native Hawaiian culture
Native Hawaiian culture is rooted in aloha, a value that goes far beyond a simple greeting. Aloha means love, respect, and a commitment to living in harmony with others and with the Earth.
Native Hawaiians have deep connections to land, language, and spirit. Native Hawaiian traditions are passed on through chant, hula, storytelling, and a language that holds generations of knowledge and values.
Today’s Native Hawaiian youth are reclaiming their culture with passion. They are learning ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (the Hawaiian language), practicing traditional farming, and standing up for their sacred places. They are showing the world the power of cultural pride, resilience, and love for community.
As a youth worker, you can easily include activities and events that honor cultural heritage. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Teach and model Hawaiian values like mālama (care), kuleana (responsibility), and ‘ohana (family) in your everyday program culture.
- Highlight the wisdom of Native Hawaiian environmental practices like fishpond restoration and moon-based planting calendars.
The beauty of Native Hawaiian culture is its deep sense of belonging to land, language, ancestors, and each other. Your youth programs can be spaces that echo those same values.
Pacific Islander culture
From the rhythmic dances of Samoa and Tonga to the warm hospitality of Fiji and Guam, Pacific Islander cultures are full of joy, movement, and deep community connection. Music, dance, tattoos, and storytelling are traditional expressions of strength, survival, and identity.
Pacific Islander youth are keeping those traditions alive while speaking up about issues that affect them today. They care about climate change, education, and cultural visibility. They are artists, athletes, community builders, and cultural keepers, bringing pride to their families and inspiration to their peers.
Here are a few ideas you could include in your programs:
- Learn a traditional song, dance, or greeting from a Pacific Islander culture and invite youth to share if they feel comfortable.
- Celebrate the importance of community and extended family, which are central in many Pacific cultures.
The relevance of Pacific Islander culture lies in its balance of strength and joy, rootedness and openness. Programs that reflect these values create space where young people can thrive.
Let youth lead
AANHPI Heritage Month reminds us that culture is alive in the languages young people speak, the food they eat, the music they love, and the values they carry. When youth workers honor the beauty of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cultures, they build belonging for every young person.
For more learning opportunities to build your cultural humility and understanding, check out YIPA’s Intercultural Awareness trainings.
Culture is all of us, it is something we live. Explore all the ways you can uplift AANHPI youth. Celebrate their stories, reflect their values, and support their futures.
About the author
Jade Schleif is the training director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), a non-profit association of youth-serving organizations. We're your source for exceptional, affordable, personal and professional online learning via The Professional Youth Worker. Join us!
To ask Jade a question or share your feedback about this blog, email jade@yipa.org.
