Several times a year the Penn's Village Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee recommends several resources to help our members and friends to be more aware of the racial biases in each of us and in our society, and the resulting inequities, past and present. It is the committee’s hope that this information may even inspire us to make corrective changes. These resources assembled by Penn’s Village members represent different mediums, different perspectives and experiences, and diverse authors.
Penn’s Village welcomes and actively encourages an inclusive and diverse community of members, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. Inclusiveness and diversity mean welcoming all and excluding no one because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs or political beliefs.
At the very bottom of this page, blog readers have the opportunity to comment. The Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee welcomes your opinions about any of our suggested resources and any suggestions about their mission.
May, Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month
Penn’s Village Program: “American ‘Hibakusha’: Reliving Nevada and Hiroshima and Nagasaki Through an Atomic Bomb Veteran’s Eyes”.
The Philadelphia author, John McCabe, has recently published the novel Reiko and the Visitor. It is a story about an American soldier who suffered serious repercussions from exposure to the radiation from US atomic bomb testing in Nevada during the 1960s. The narrative highlights the soldier’s experiences and interactions with Japanese atomic bomb survivors, known as “Hibakusha”. This program will commemorate Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, which was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize last November.
This program will be presented on Thursday, May 22nd at 2 pm in the MacCall Room in the First Presbyterian Church. To register click here.
Book: The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Time magazine describes this novel by a Vietnamese American author as “one of the 39 most anticipated books of the year”. The story follows a 19-year-old boy named Hai who lives in East Gladness, Connecticut. Right before he attempts to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge, an old woman suffering from dementia, named Grazina, urges him to reconsider. That conversation causes Hai to reconsider his suicidal intentions. From then on, he becomes Grazina's caretaker. The book will be published by Penguin Press on May 13, 2025.
Some Suggested Ways to Enjoy Asian Cuisine
Asian Eats Chinatown from May 1 to the 10, 2025
Asian Eats is a 10-day celebration during AAPI Heritage Month, highlighting the diverse flavors of Asian-owned restaurants in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Sponsored by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, this “10 day” restaurant week is meant to highlight the wide variety of excellent dinning in Chinatown. Participating restaurants are Lion Sports Bar, Tea-Do, BonChon, Carter Steak, Yamisuki Ramen, Bai Wei, A La Mousse, Yakitori Boy, Sang Kee Pekking Duck.
The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park Every Weekend at 10 AM.
Outdoor market season is back, and this beloved Philly culinary treasure returns to the heart of South Philly’s FDR Park. A national renowned seasonal market pops up every weekend showcasing some of the best Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine in the city. Since the 1980’s this community of immigrants and refugees have used this venue to share with our city their food and culture. Last year’s market saw over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. For the best experience, pack a picnic blanket and don’t forget to bring cash — some vendors are cash-only and there’s no ATM on site.
Celebration of Dual Heritage Month at the Weitzman Museum (5th and Market)
On Sunday, May 18th from 1 to 5 pm the Weitzman Museum is hosting a free family-friendly event that celebrates both Asian Pacific American Month and Jewish American Month. For complete details click here.
To learn of many other opportunities to celebrate Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month access Visit Philadelphia website: To access website click here.