Say It in Three: A Live Word Cloud of AAPI Identity
Photo taken 1954.
By Nanchang Project
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The month of May was designated for its significance in the history of Asians in America. May 1843 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S., while May 1869 marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad, built in large part by Chinese laborers. These historical moments are a reminder of how deeply woven Asian and Pacific Islander communities have always been in the fabric of the United States.
The AAPI experience is not one story—it’s millions. It spans cultures, languages, histories, and generations. Being Asian or Pacific Islander in the U.S. can mean growing up in a household rooted in tradition or one that is still piecing together what cultural identity means. For many of us in the international adoption community, the AAPI experience is layered. The richness of our stories lies in their variety. That’s why building community within the AAPI umbrella matters so deeply. When we support and listen to one another, we make space for nuance. The more we come together in community, the more we understand, uplift, and celebrate all the ways we show up in the world.
In acknowledgement and celebration of AAPI Heritage month, we invite you to help us create a living snapshot of our corner of the AAPI community. 👉 Share your 3 words to describe the AAPI experience and/or community here, and then come back and watch the word cloud grow in real time on this page!
Your words will become part of this live, growing word cloud—a dynamic, collective visual expression of who we are—made by all of us, reflecting the beauty, complexity, and power of our shared and unique identities. Watch as the cloud grows, amplifying more voices.
AAPI Heritage month has expanded and evolved since its establishment in 1992. It’s not just about cultural heritage, but also about navigating identity across lines of race, family, language, and belonging. Whether you’re a recent immigrant, born here, raised by Asian parents, or raised in a family that looks nothing like you, your place in this community matters.
Come back at the end of the month for an expanded reflection based on the word cloud we create together.
Our blog stories come from readers like you!
We invite you to send us your own story to share. We accept submissions from anyone whose life may have been touched by Chinese international adoption including, but not limited to: adoptees, adoptive families, birth families, friends, searchers.
Details in the link below!
