Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

WHYY explores the history and culture of Asian Americans
By Anna Christopher

In 1978, Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was established by a joint congressional resolution as the first ten days in May -- a time selected to coincide with the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1846, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad 20 years later.

During the Clinton administration, Congress decided the nation's recognition of the values and traditions of this growing American minority should continue for an entire month, thereby designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. To celebrate, WHYY presents several specials on TV12 profiling Asian traditions and identity, and the ever-expanding influence of this diverse group on America's cultural landscape.

Saturday, May 8

Searching for Asian America

During his campaign for governor of Washington State in 1996, Gary Locke (pictured) shared with voters the story of his family's experiences as immigrants and his own thoughts about being part of a minority in America. Now serving his second term, Locke is the first Asian American to hold the office of governor in the continental United States. In this special, Governor Locke and other Asian Americans across the country share their distinctly different stories about overcoming stereotypes and making a home in America, providing insight into a community that is growing, evolving and pushing the boundaries of American culture. 1 a.m.

Saigon Saigon, U.S.A.

The residents of Orange County, California -- known as "Little Saigon" because it is home to the largest community of Vietnamese refugees in the nation -- made national headlines in 1999 when they protested around the clock for 52 days after a storeowner displayed a communist flag and poster of former leader Ho Chi Min. In the first major documentary about the Vietnamese-American community, filmmakers Lindsey Jang and Robert Winn present a compelling portrait of this growing minority as it struggles to reconcile its past with its evolving identity in a foreign land, revealing the ways their history of political suffering and experiences during the Vietnam War still hold a prominent place in their lives. 2:30 a.m.

Itzaak Perlman Perlman in Shanghai

For decades, violinist Itzhak Perlman has earned worldwide renown for his mesmerizing musical ability and unique interpretations of classic compositions. In this new program, the musician shows that he is also a remarkable teacher. Cameras follow Perlman, his wife Toby and 30 teenage students from the Perlman Music Program as they meet with their counterparts at the Shanghai Conservatory in August 2002. Initially confused by Perlman's student-centered teaching methods, the Chinese students revel in the freedom that comes from inserting their individual personalities into each piece they play. 4:30 a.m.

Simply Ming

Chef Ming Tsai, cookbook author and owner of the Massachusetts bistro Blue Ginger, brings a taste of the East to viewers each week on TV12 by fusing Western ingredients with traditional Asian dishes to create simple and versatile meals based on one "master recipe," which can be prepared in advance and used throughout the week. Tune in this month as Tsai makes Master Meat Broth, Five-Herb Vinaigrette, Tropical Fruit Salsa, Miso-Citrus Marinade and Asian Pesto. Saturdays at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 9

Grand Star Independent Lens

Two filmmakers candidly explore the Chinese-American experience and its relation to culture, tradition and self-identity. The first film, "One Night at the Grand Star," celebrates the historic Grand Star Bar in the heart of L.A.'s Chinatown, which has drawn people of all ages, nationalities and races with its inviting Asian decor and eclectic mix of jazz, dance and house beats for 60 years.

Kit-Yin Snyder turns the camera on herself in "Double Exposure," a film she made to explore her own identity and international roots. Proving that it's never too late to try something new (this is Snyder's debut documentary), the 60-something New York artist and self-proclaimed "little old Chinese lady" documents her return to China for the first time since she immigrated to the United States at the age of 15, revealing the wide gap between Chinese and American views on women, marriage, beauty, and communication. 11 p.m.