October marks the annual celebration of Filipino American History Month, commemorating the anniversary of the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States.
Long Beach plans to honor this month by bringing back its second annual Liwanag Literary Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave. The festival will be spotlighting the Filipino-American experiences through author readings, panel discussions and book signings — all presented in collaboration with local Filipina-owned bookstore, Bel Canto Books, according to a press release.
“The stories and experiences of our Long Beach Filipino-American community are integral to understanding the rich history of our city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a press release. “This festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Filipino voices and encourage everyone to learn a little more about our neighbors and their culture.”
The festival includes craft activities tailored for children, panel discussions with author lineups – including Michelle Sterling, author of “Maribel’s Year,” Alex Brown, known for “Damned If You Do,” and Jasmin Iolani Hakes, the creative force behind “Hula” – and cultural performances by Rocksteady Rondalla, the press release said.
Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) reported that Fillipino Americans are the second largest Asian American ethnic population in the nation, along with being the third-largest ethnic population in California after Latinx communities and African Americans.
U.S Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009 to honor the rich contributions of Filipino Americans made within the fabric of American society. This month marks the anniversary of the first recorded Filipino presence on U.S grounds when Luzones Indios came ashore on October 18, 1587, from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed in what is now…
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