Fenway Park Hosts Celebratory Event for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Red Sox

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES, May 6, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Fenway Park was buzzing with excitement as the Boston Red Sox, in collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) Boston Chapter, the Massachusetts Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, the New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA), and the United Chinese Americans Massachusetts Chapter (UCA-MA), hosted a special event to celebrate the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The celebration kicked off on May 1, marking the first day of AAPI Heritage Month. The meticulously planned event featured a vibrant baseball game that was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration that blended American and Asian cultures seamlessly.

Before the game, the AAPI organizing committee arranged for a series of performances that highlighted Asian culture:
Martial Arts Display by New England Wushu Academy,
Chinese Dance Performance by DJT Dream Dance,
Face-changing Performance presented by the renowned artist Yang Shuwang, specially themed around the baseball team.

Massachusetts' AAPI Commission Commissioner, APAPA Boston Chapter President, NECAA President, and UCA-MA Chapter President, Gary Yu, was honored by the Red Sox to throw the ceremonial first pitch, marking a historic moment as the first person of Chinese descent from mainland America invited to do so at a major league game.

APAPA Boston Chapter Vice-President, Professor Zheng Yi, National Director of UCA, Professor Wang Hua, co-chair of NECAA Ge Qian, and APAPA Director Benjamin Cheung, along with other AAPI community leaders, stood proudly at Fenway Park, witnessing this historic moment.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and the organizers specially designed a limited edition Red Sox jersey for the AAPI community. The front of the jersey featured a hibiscus flower symbolizing Pacific Island nations, while the back boasted a dragon wrapped around the number “24,” with "Boston" filled in various Asian scripts. The color scheme of red symbolizes good fortune and commitment; gold represents strength and wealth; and blue signifies Boston. Fans who purchased their tickets through the AAPI committee link received a complimentary jersey valued at $45.

The event not only allowed Asian American fans to wear jerseys that represented their culture but also to engage in traditional Chinese martial arts demonstrations, Chinese dance, and unique face-changing performances. This made them feel immensely proud and connected to their roots.

The energy and passion of the AAPI Heritage Month, along with the excitement of the baseball game, filled Fenway Park with an invigorating spirit of cultural diversity.

President Biden, in a statement issued on May 1, emphasized that diversity is the core strength of the nation. This belief led him to initiate the first national strategy dedicated to the AA and NHPI communities, promoting equity, justice, and opportunity. The President reiterated his commitment to building a fairer, more diverse, and safer society, ensuring that America truly becomes a nation of equal opportunity for all.

President Biden calls on all Americans to better understand the history and contributions of the AA and NHPI communities and to celebrate this special month by participating in related programs and activities.

APAPA- Boston
APAPA- Boston
email us here