Filipino American History Month 2025

Since 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has led the celebration of October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) across the United States. Recognized by Congress in 2009 and first honored at the White House in 2015, FAHM celebrates the deep roots and powerful contributions of Filipino Americans. This year’s theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement,” commemorates the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act—two pivotal moments that shaped the Filipino American journey from exclusion to belonging.

In 1935, the U.S. government passed the Filipino Repatriation Act, a policy designed to reduce the Filipino population by offering one-way passage back to the Philippines under the condition that those who left could never return. Though framed as a benevolent opportunity, it reflected the era’s deep anti-Asian sentiment and exclusionary practices. Only a small fraction of the Filipino population accepted this offer, and the law ultimately failed thanks to community resistance. Thirty years later, the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act transformed the landscape, abolishing discriminatory quotas and opening the doors for thousands of Filipino immigrants—nurses, teachers, engineers, and more—to build lives and multigenerational communities in the U.S.

Today, over 4 million Filipino Americans continue to enrich the nation through social activism, healthcare, education, technology, and the arts. As immigration debates persist, this year’s theme reminds us that migration is not only about crossing borders but also about the ongoing movement toward justice, dignity, and belonging. The Filipino American experience stands as a testament to resilience and solidarity—showing that when marginalized communities unite, they have the power to challenge injustice, reshape policy, and expand opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate FAHM 2025, may we honor the past while continuing the work toward equity, remembrance, and liberation for all.

Reference:https://www.fanhs-national.org/filam/filipino-american-history-month-2025?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaVNqRWdmMmlyVE9DWmoxYwEeVkbGToIrl_vGQi2a5rQd4gyJsF4RIUao6MzbATdDC7FjcR_0LnqBPwUyWg0_aem_QxHHBBd56fPEOhtn0s0DoA

Traditions Reimagined in Modern Spaces

Cultural traditions are often seen as fixed in the past, but for bicultural artists, they are living sources of inspiration. Across communities, ancestral practices like calligraphy, weaving, or folk dance are finding new life in contemporary art forms. A brushstroke once reserved for poetry may now appear in street murals, or a textile pattern once worn at ceremonies may inspire modern fashion designs. By reimagining these traditions in fresh ways, artists show that heritage is not static—it evolves with each generation.

When bicultural artists reinterpret traditions, they do more than preserve them—they make them accessible to wider audiences. A performance that blends traditional instruments with modern beats can resonate with young people who might not otherwise connect with cultural history. Similarly, a gallery installation that incorporates ancestral symbols into modern digital media can spark conversations across cultures. These creative reinterpretations allow traditions to thrive outside their original contexts, ensuring that they remain relevant while honoring their roots.

The beauty of reimagining traditions is that it proves culture is both timeless and adaptable. Bicultural artists show us that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning heritage, but expanding it. In modern spaces—whether on stage, in galleries, or online—traditions are not only remembered, but transformed into tools of expression, healing, and connection. By blending the past with the present, these artists ensure that traditions remain powerful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful for generations to come.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Honoring Wisdom Across Generations

In BIPOC families, elders hold more than memories—they carry the stories, traditions, and practices that root us in who we are. Learning from them means gaining access to a living archive of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether it’s through oral histories, recipes, music, or rituals, elders pass down traditions that remind us of our collective strength and the journeys of those who came before us.

When we sit with our elders, we aren’t just hearing lessons—we’re experiencing culture firsthand. Simple acts, like learning to prepare a family dish, hearing a lullaby in an ancestral language, or practicing a craft handed down through generations, become moments of connection and continuity. These traditions are often survival stories wrapped in beauty, showing how communities endured and thrived despite hardship. They remind younger generations that culture is not just preserved in museums—it’s alive in daily life.

The beauty of learning traditions from our elders is that it gives us the tools to shape our future with roots firmly planted in the past. For BIPOC families, this knowledge ensures that identity is not lost but carried proudly into new spaces. By listening, learning, and practicing these traditions, we keep our cultures vibrant and evolving, honoring the sacrifices of our elders while building bridges for the generations to come. In this exchange, we discover that tradition is not just about the past—it’s a gift for the future.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Strings of Identity: The BIPOC Experience Through the Guzheng

As a Black guzheng artist, I live at the intersection of multiple identities. The guzheng, with its thousands of years of history rooted in Chinese culture, became my voice. Each performance is a reminder that identity is layered: I am both carrying the traditions of an instrument not born of my culture and expanding what it means to represent Black artistry in America. My journey has been about more than music, it’s been about reclaiming space, creating belonging, and showing that culture is not a wall, but a bridge.

The BIPOC experience is defined by resilience and adaptation. For me, learning the guzheng meant stepping into rooms where I was often the only Black person, asked again and again to explain my choice of instrument. At times, the pressure to “justify” my art was heavy, but that very tension also shaped my perspective: identity is not confined by expectation. The guzheng’s voice—at once delicate, powerful, and infinite—mirrors the complexity of BIPOC existence. We carry histories of struggle, yet we transform those stories into art, sound, and healing. My fingers on the strings are not just playing notes, but weaving together threads of ancestry, survival, and hope.

To be BIPOC in the arts is to confront stereotypes while also rewriting narratives. Every performance is my way of saying: we belong everywhere art is made. The guzheng in my hands represents possibility—proof that boundaries can be crossed, cultures can be shared, and voices once silenced can be amplified. As a Black guzheng artist, I don’t just play music; I embody the resilience of my community, the shared dreams of BIPOC artists, and the promise that our voices whether spoken, sung, or strummed across strings, will continue to shape the world.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Creating a Culture of Kindness in Schools

Violence among students is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals directly involved but the entire school community. Acts of bullying, fighting, or intimidation create an environment of fear that hinders learning and personal growth. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into a classroom, and stopping violence starts with recognizing the problem and committing to change.

One of the most effective ways to reduce violence in schools is by building awareness and providing strong support systems. This includes teaching students about conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional regulation at an early age. Schools can also encourage open communication where students feel comfortable reporting problems without fear of retaliation. In addition, involving parents, teachers, and counselors ensures that students at risk of engaging in violence are identified early and given the help they need.

Stopping violence is not just about responding to incidents—it’s about creating a culture where respect and kindness are the norm. When schools actively promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and provide safe spaces for students to express themselves, they reduce the likelihood of conflict turning into violence. By working together—students, educators, families, and communities—we can replace fear with trust, build stronger relationships, and make schools places where learning and growth thrive free from violence.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

More Than a Game: The Cultural Legacy of Mahjong Parties

Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile game, is far more than a pastime—it is a living piece of cultural heritage. Played for centuries, mahjong represents a blend of strategy, memory, and intuition that reflects values of patience, adaptability, and resilience. At gatherings, the rhythmic clicking of tiles is as iconic as the laughter that fills the room. For many, hosting or joining a mahjong party is not simply about competition, but about honoring tradition and celebrating cultural identity in an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity.

Beyond its cultural significance, mahjong serves as a powerful tool for connection and community. A mahjong table invites intergenerational bonding, with grandparents teaching grandchildren not only the rules of the game but also lessons in patience and respect. Friends and neighbors find camaraderie through shared stories between rounds, reinforcing trust and belonging. In a world where many feel isolated, mahjong parties become a safe space where people can laugh, learn, and experience the joy of collective play.

Importantly, mahjong also holds healing potential. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating games like mahjong can reduce stress, sharpen memory, and support emotional well-being. For older adults, it can help delay cognitive decline; for anyone, the sense of rhythm and flow can be grounding and restorative. Mahjong parties offer a ritual of mindfulness disguised as play: when the tiles are shuffled, worries can fade, and what remains is a circle of connection, laughter, and cultural continuity. In this way, mahjong is both medicine for the mind and nourishment for the soul.

Jarrelle ( Jieao- 杰遨 ) Barton

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Papaya Regularly

Papaya is more than a delicious tropical fruit—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. In addition to being fat-free, papaya is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and enzymes that support overall wellness. Eating papaya regularly can improve digestion (thanks to papain and fiber), boost immunity (with nearly a full day’s vitamin C in one cup), support healthy vision (from lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene), help manage blood sugar, and even reduce cancer risks. It also protects the skin, lowers inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health with antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.

Key Facts:

  1. Improved Digestion – Fiber + papain enzyme aid in gut health.
  2. Stronger Immunity – Vitamin C fights infections & free radicals.
  3. Better Vision – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin protect eyes.
  4. Diabetes Support – Low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar.
  5. Cancer Protection – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin show anticancer effects.
  6. Healthier Skin – Vitamins A & C boost collagen & skin elasticity.
  7. Reduced Inflammation – Antioxidants fight free radicals linked to chronic disease.
  8. Heart Health – Fiber & potassium lower cholesterol and blood pressure.


Papaya is a simple yet powerful addition to your diet that can enhance health from the inside out. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or added to salads, this fruit offers daily nourishment for digestion, immunity, vision, skin, and heart health. Adding papaya to your routine is a small step with big benefits.

Advocate for the Federal Food Service Guideline and Wellness Policy through sharing nutritional information and encouraging healthy dietary choices.

Reference:https://www.verywellhealth.com/papaya-benefits-11769169

The Rhythm of Health: Multicultural Practices That Keep Us Moving

Around the world, movement has always been more than exercise—it is culture, celebration, and a way of connecting with one another. Practices like Tai Chi in China and yoga in South Asia reflect the deep relationship between body, mind, and spirit. In these traditions, movement is both healthful and meditative, a practice that sustains balance in daily life. Across cultures, the idea of moving with intention is woven into rituals, ceremonies, and everyday routines, making wellness a shared experience.

Cultures across the globe offer profound lessons in how movement supports health and community. In Asia, martial arts and Tai Chi blend strength, mindfulness, and flow. In Latin traditions, dances like salsa and samba are not only joyous forms of expression but also cardiovascular workouts that bring entire communities together. Native American traditions include dance ceremonies rooted in storytelling, spirituality, and honoring the earth—movements that ground the body while connecting people to heritage and nature. In Africa, vibrant dance traditions emphasize rhythm, endurance, and collective joy, turning movement into a celebration of life itself. These cultural practices remind us that wellness is not confined to gyms or structured routines—it thrives in the heartbeat of culture.

We can learn from these rich traditions by finding ways to make movement both joyful and meaningful in our daily lives. Whether it’s dancing with friends, taking a mindful walk, practicing Tai Chi in the park, or participating in cultural wellness events, movement becomes more sustainable when it’s rooted in community and heritage. Health is not only about physical fitness—it’s about finding connection, balance, and joy through movement that reflects who we are and where we come from.

“Every step you take honors the generations that came before you.”

Jarrelle ( Jieao 杰遨 ) Barton

The Power of Unity

Collaboration has always been a powerful tool for progress, and within AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, it is a driving force for meaningful change. When individuals, organizations, and allies come together, they amplify voices, share resources, and tackle systemic barriers that no one person or group could dismantle alone. Collaboration helps transform challenges into opportunities by fostering networks of support that strengthen community resilience.

Whether through grassroots organizations, cultural programs, or partnerships with institutions, collaboration ensures that AAPI and BIPOC voices are not only heard but also acted upon. Shared efforts can expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage. When these communities unite, they bring greater visibility to pressing issues—making it harder for them to be ignored by policymakers and the wider public. This creates real momentum for lasting equity and systemic reform.

The benefits of collaboration extend beyond immediate change; they build stronger, interconnected communities that thrive on solidarity. By pooling resources, uplifting one another’s work, and fostering cross-community dialogue, AAPI and BIPOC communities plant the seeds of long-term empowerment. The message is clear: progress doesn’t happen in isolation. Together, we can create a future where barriers are not just broken, but replaced with bridges of equity, representation, and shared success.

Jarrelle (杰遨-Jieao) Barton

Rising Together: Breaking Barriers in BIPOC Communities

Breaking barriers in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities is about more than overcoming individual struggles—it’s about dismantling systemic inequities that have persisted for generations. From limited access to quality education and healthcare to underrepresentation in leadership and the arts, these challenges affect daily life and long-term opportunities. Yet despite these barriers, BIPOC communities continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership, paving the way for meaningful change.

Representation is a key part of progress. Studies show that when BIPOC voices are included in leadership, policy, and cultural spaces, outcomes improve for entire communities. Health disparities, wage gaps, and limited access to resources remain pressing issues, but community-driven initiatives have proven to be some of the most effective solutions. Whether through grassroots organizations, cultural arts programs, or advocacy for equitable healthcare, BIPOC leaders are reshaping narratives and building stronger support systems for the future.

True change comes when we all recognize the importance of equity and take action. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, investing in education, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policy reform are steps everyone can take to help break down barriers. By standing together, we not only honor the strength and resilience of BIPOC communities but also build a society where every voice is valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Jarrelle (jieao-杰遨) Barton