The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

For these Pacific Islanders, the AAPI label can sideline their heritage

Some say their stories go untold during AAPI Heritage Month

By
May 17, 2022 at 11:29 a.m. EDT
Katie Moussouris, left, and Teyonna Jarman say their cultures are often unknown in the United States. (Katie Moussouris; courtesy of Teyonna Jarman/Washington Post illustration)
6 min

When Teyonna Jarman was growing up, the month of May was marked by dance troupe performances celebrating Asian and Pacific heritages.

Both of her parents were in the U.S. military, and she performed these programs throughout Europe and then in the United States for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, she said.