The month of May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the US which is a commemoration of the communities they belong to and their contributions in American history and cultural heritage.
May is recognized as AAPI Heritage Month because of two significant historical events that occurred in May for members of the AAPI Community. On May 7 1843, the very initial Japanese immigrant arrived in America. US in the US. On May 10 1869, the very inaugural transcontinental railroad across the US was completed, with substantial contributions from Chinese workers.
In May, Riot used the occasion to commemorate and discover the history and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
What a way to celebrate
The formation of a newly formed Asian & Pacific Islander Rioter Inclusion Group
At Riot the last time, we had a celebration by launching a newly created Rioter Inclusion Group (RIG) for Asians and Pacific Islanders (API). API is a forum for Rioters from all Asian and Pacific Islander identities to come together, to learn from one another’s shared similarities as well as cultural differences, and to advocate for Asians and Pacific Islanders at the Riot level. API in Riot will create bridges with Riot’s offices and implement an international strategy for its work.
By raising awareness and increasing the visibility of Asian & Pacific Islander stories The API RIG will enhance the impact of Riot’s IP on the communities. This API RIG is focused on improving the participation, representation retention, inclusion and understanding of API Rioters around the world.
Inaugural event
Our inaugural API RIG event took place on the 26th of May. In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month 2022 theme of Advancing Leaders by Collaboration, we held the Fireside Chat with Riot’s Head of Production, Mags Ng. Mags told her heartfelt story of being an Hong Kong immigrant. She spoke about the growing relationship she has in her identity and her more than 20 years of gaming experience. By sharing stories of inspiration, she inspires us all to embrace our individuality and to appreciate all our identity has to offer.
After the meeting the group walked out to enjoy a night of socializing with delicious , customized food and drinks offered by NOMs, the on-campus cafeteria staff, which included Shrimp Toast and Matcha Mochi cake. It was a lively and lively gathering where we had the opportunity to connect with our friends from our fellow Asian and Pacific Islander colleagues and allies and share delicious food and good conversations and enjoy a little of what this large community offers.
Noms Celebration
Asian and Pacific Islander food is delicious and varied. It’s impossible to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month without experiencing the wide variety of foods Asian cuisine offers. In the NOMs’s restaurant, we enjoyed a variety of food across BBQ Pig Belly Pork Buns, Aloo Gobi and Tapsilog Skirt Steak.
Beyond AAPI Month
Resilience In This Moment as well Beyond
Together in collaboration with Right To Be, we will be hosting a workshop on Resilience The Current Moment and Beyond which will enable protesters to write resilient themselves. Given the growing trend of hate against AAPIs and the rise of anti-AAPI hate, we will look at ways to understand this current moment and how it affects our lives. It will be an interactive training session to learn about resilience, be with it, make your own personal story, bear our hurt, and yet discover happiness.
Neon
This year Riot introduced a new agency, Neon, who is an agent from the Philippines. One of the creators for Neon is Filipino and working with a variety of partners, including our Filipino employees at Riot (FAR) RIG and Riot (FAR) RIG, we were able develop a truly memorable and genuine Filipino character. Neon has been an enjoyable method of recognizing and celebrating the amazing and valuable players from Filipino communities.