2nd Annual My American Story

On May 22, 2022, CALex hosted its second year of the My American Story Event virtually, highlighting a diverse array of Asian American stories through various speakers and panelists. This year, the conversation covered topics like the diversity of Asian American identity, struggles, and the process of building bridges between different cultural and ethnic groups.

The event lasted two hours. In the first half, panelists had time to share their American stories and identities. The second half consisted of a Q&A session where both the hosts and the audience posed questions to the panel.

While the event was primarily organized to celebrate Asian American identity in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the event also intends to draw awareness to the scope of AAPI identity and dispel stereotypical depictions embedded in mainstream media.

“This is an event to celebrate both our diversity as the AAPI community and our commonality as Americans,” Dahua Pan, the primary organizer of the event, said.

Through seven panelists, each with unique Asian and American backgrounds, the event intended to help the broader community understand the diversity of AAPI identity. Martha Duffield, Lexington Chief Equity Officer, emphasized this in her opening speech as well.

“There are over 23 million Americans with roots in more than 50 ethnic groups and 40 countries that encompass our AAPI community. Of course, how we look, our skin tone, and our experiences widely vary. Yet we are often viewed through a small particular lens.” Duffield said.

On the whole, the event was an enjoyable experience for all who attended, as it allowed many to explore AAPI identity.

“One of the best things about living in America…here’s to celebrating and cherishing our diversity while recognizing the underlying thread of unity which is our collective Humanity!” Rajeshwari Godbole, an attendee, said.

“Thank[s to the panelists] for choosing to live in Lexington and be a part of this community,” Pam Hoffman, an attendee, said.

Events like this are significant for how they have allowed the AAPI community and other groups to speak up and find representation in the school’s curriculum.

“[Lexington Public Schools] is working on decolonizing curriculum, looking at data more closely…these things happen because the community spoke up,” Mona Roy, vice-Chair of the Lexington Human Rights Committee, said.

Though the event was held virtually because of COVID concerns, Pan hopes that they can switch to an in-person setting in the upcoming years.

“An in-person event has the advantage of making story-telling more intimate and impactful. It is also a great opportunity to build connections between strangers,” Pan said.