AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
#WeAreBrisbane Series Kick-Off Event: Celebration of National Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
On May 20, 2023, the City held its first-ever Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration in the Park! It truly was a “watershed moment”, as remarked by Councilmember Cunningham. Billed as the first event of the new #WeAreBrisbane Series, the event was first brought to the City's IDEA Committee by residents who hoped for an event to take place in the town during AAPI Month (May). Judging from the food that was handed out from Asian-owned restaurants in town, 7 Mile House, Brisbane Lunch Truck, and Chef Reina, it's estimated about 100 people were in attendance.
Many went home with gift cards to local restaurants; we thank all our sponsors KTSF and SSF Scavenger and gift card and gift basket donors – 7 Mile House, Brisbane Lunch Truck, Chef Reina, Mama Mia Pizza, Pho de Nguyen, Round N Round Pot, and Tangle Creations, not to mention our talented artists and performers – Tai Chi Yuen, Shirley Lim, Yoshi Photo, Elian Fontanilla, 64 Movements, and Peejay Estay – for making this a fabulous first-time event in Brisbane!
Thank you also to the Brisbane Youth Advisory Committee for all their help day-of, along with city staff who were also out volunteering! If ever you want to contact the IDEA Committee, please send an email to idea@brisbaneca.org.
See more photos from the day via the event's Flickr album.
There were performances and showcases of different art at this event. Learn more about each artist:
Rose & Daphne Yuen - Tai Chi Yuen
You may have seen Tai Chi Yuen, which is headed by Instructor Lily, Coach Ken & Ying Fu and its members practicing Tai Chi under the Gazebo on Sunday mornings. We are delighted that they will kick off our day by performing Yang Tai Chi fist form with their members, followed by a second performance by Daphne who will demonstrate Tai Chi Fan.
Shirley Lim - Watercolorist
Watercolor painting has been Shirley’s favorite activity since she was a teenager. Her devotion to watercolors has gradually become a life-long study of technique and creativity. To Shirley, painting with watercolor is exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining the rhythm and transparency of colors during the process. In 2009, Shirley started teaching watercolors to Bay Area residents of all ages and she is also teaching seniors and youth in Brisbane. To learn more about Shirley, visit limwatercolor.com
Yoshimi Sugiyama - Fine Art Photographer
Yoshimi's work is a unique hybrid of painting and photography, with some pieces created by shining flashlights in the darkness. This particular collection is on display right now at City Hall! Much of the work you will see displayed at the event spans years of photographing nature, temples, gardens, and Mt. Fuji in Japan. To learn more about Yoshimi, please visit yoshiphoto.com.
Peejay Estay - Singer & Songwriter
Many of our younger residents are familiar with Peejay and his songs, as he's currently the coach of the Brisbane Boys Basketball Team, and previously worked as a Recreation Leader for several years and helped in Club Rec, Summer Camp, and at many community events. Peejay Estay looks forward to performing his music on May 20th for a wider audience! You can listen to Peejay Estay's music on Soundcloud and Spotify, and keep up with him on Instagram: @peejay_estay
Elian Fontanilla - Singer
Elian Fontanilla is a singer, songwriter and producer who blends R&B, pop and hip hop tracks with his smooth vocals. Aside from music, Elian is studying business and is passionate about recreation and student leadership. Keep connected with Elian on Instagram: @hey_elian
Alex Medel - Fitness & Martial Arts Instructor
64 Movements hosts classes in personal training, Shaolin Chuan, Tai Chi Chuan, and Women’s Self Defense. Created by Alex Medel in 2022, she shares the traditional knowledge of Simu Kuo and the Lien Ying Tai Chi Chuan Academy combined with exercise science to create a fun and unique way of learning martial arts for all ages. To learn more about 64 Movements, please visit the 64 Movements Instagram and website.
DJ Arrow
DJ Arrow specializes in spinning energetic, feel-good music at dance parties and special events. His passion is keeping reggae music alive in the Bay Area alongside the legendary band, Native Elements. Follow DJ Arrow on Instagram: @djarrow1
A big thank you to our sponsors and gift card donors for the #WeAreBrisbane Series: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration - 7 Mile House, Boba Guys, Brisbane Lunch Truck, Chef Reina, Christy's Donut & Ice Cream, Fong Brothers Printing, KTSF, Mama Mia Pizza, Pho De Nguyen, Round N Round Pot, South San Francisco Scavenger Company Co., and Tangle Creations. The City of Brisbane thanks its community partners for their gracious support of this event!
