Jacksonville Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month with Cultural Events

News Summary

Throughout May, Jacksonville, Fla. celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, honoring the diverse cultural contributions of the local AAPI community. The event features activities that spotlight local businesses, artists, and cultural showcases promoting awareness and appreciation. Notable highlights include chef Jojo Hernandez of Abstrakt Filipino Essence, local dance group D’barkada, and artist Grace Bao’s Batok tattooing practice, all contributing significantly to Jacksonville’s rich cultural tapestry and the theme of ‘A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.’

Jacksonville, Fla., is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout May, shining a spotlight on the cultural contributions of the local AAPI community. Various activities and showcases are planned to promote awareness and honor the influences that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on the city.

News4JAX is working to highlight the efforts of local AAPI community members, including businesses, artists, and advocates who fight for fairness and equality. With these actions, the community aims to enhance recognition and appreciation for the rich diversity that characterizes Jacksonville.

Filipino chef Jojo Hernandez, who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17, is one of the notable figures recognized for his contributions. He is the owner of Abstrakt Filipino Essence, a restaurant that has gained popularity over the last 20 years for its authentic Filipino cuisine. Despite facing pressure to pursue a medical career, Hernandez followed his passion for cooking and established his business in Jacksonville’s dining scene. Recently, Abstrakt Filipino Essence was named one of Yelp’s top 100 places to eat in 2024, leading to a surge in customer interest. The restaurant is located at 1500 Beach Blvd. and is open daily, except Mondays, making it a go-to destination for local diners.

Another vital aspect of the celebration is the involvement of the local dance group D’barkada, which actively performs traditional Filipino dances. The group’s name translates to “friendship” in Tagalog, symbolizing their mission of cultural preservation. D’barkada educates participants through dance classes stretching from elementary school students to college attendees, helping to teach future generations about Filipino culture. The performances are part of various ceremonies and celebrations, including weddings and holidays, thereby maintaining the rich traditions of Filipino heritage.

This year’s theme for AAPI Heritage Month is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” which focuses on the significant contributions that the community has made to future generations. In Jacksonville, the AAPI community is invited to share details about local AAPI-owned businesses for recognition, fostering a sense of collective pride and acknowledgment.

Grace Bao, a talented tattoo artist, is also making her mark on the cultural landscape by connecting her Filipino heritage with the traditional Batok tattooing practice. Batok tattoos are rich with meaning and symbolize status and personal milestones within the Filipino culture. Bao collaborates with her partner, C.J. Bautista, to engage the Filipino community and further connect them to their historical roots through the art of tattooing.

This Saturday evening, Jax Filipinos will host a special Batok tattoo event featuring artist Francis San Diego from California. The Batok tattooing process involves discussions concerning an individual’s personal history and lineage, which are influential in designing meaningful tattoo art. These events not only serve the purpose of beautifying the skin but also act as a therapeutic and educational experience, reinforcing ties to cultural identity.

As Jacksonville embraces AAPI Heritage Month, the celebration emphasizes the value of diversity and the collective strength of communities. With podcasts, dancing, and visual art forms, local AAPI individuals and organizations continue to contribute rich cultural legacies that pave the way for future generations to thrive.

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Additional Resources

• News4JAX: Chef Jojo Hernandez
• Wikipedia: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• First Coast News: D’barkada Group
• Google Search: Filipino Culture
• First Coast News: Batok Tattoo
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Filipino Tattoos
• Jacksonville.com: Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
• Google News: AAPI Jacksonville