May marks the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but this occasion comes amid a dramatic surge in the number of anti-Asian attacks across America. Take a look at some of the stories, lives, and people that this month celebrates.

COVID 19 California museum welcomes back visitors with Chinese American artist

Businesses, stores and non-profit organizations around the world have suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including museums. In San Francisco the Asian Art Museum recently re-opened with a Chinese American artist bringing in an uplifting experience. CGTN’s Mark Niu reports.

The economic power of Asian Americans

Over the last two decades, Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing consumer segment in the U.S., with $1.2 trillion in buying power annually.

But the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the economy, and the anti-Asian xenophobia that came with it, has hit this group especially hard.

CGTN’s New York correspondent Liling Tan looks at the crucial role Asian Americans have played in America’s growth, and what a post-pandemic economy will look like when they start spending again.

NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force commander discusses his work and combating anti-Asian hate crimes

Inspector Tommy Ng is the new Commander of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, in charge of fighting the spike in violent crimes against Asians.

CGTN’s Liling Tan spoke with Inspector Ng to talk about his own heritage, what it’s like being an Asian in the NYPD, how the rise in Asian attacks defines his job and the challenges involved, and what it means to him as the man tasked with protecting his entire community.

18-year-old Korean American speaks out after hate crime assault

Jenna Dupuy, an 18-year-old Korean American, was a victim of a hate crime, after being assaulted at a skate park near her home in Tustin, California, around 30 miles south of Los Angeles.

She spoke with CGTN about the assault, her recovery, and what she’s doing to combat anti-Asian hate crimes and violence in her community.

What’s the history of Chinese immigration to the U.S.?

The history of Chinese people in America is a story of struggle against racism and persecution, but the lesser-told narrative is how this population became an integral part of America as we know it today.

For AAPI Heritage Month, we head to the Museum of Chinese in America to see how Chinese immigrants helped lay the very foundations that built the country, and the indelible footprint they’ve left behind.

CGTN’s Liling Tan reports.

Asian American Pacific Islanders’ contributions to U.S. society

Asian American Pacific Islanders account for less than 10 percent of the U.S. population but are playing a prominent role in U.S. society.

To mark AAPI Heritage Month, we take a look at the pivotal part this community has played in shaping modern America.

NYC self-defense classes grow due to Anti-Asian violence

What do you do when you’re faced with an attacker, or if you’re witnessing someone else being attacked?

For many Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the odds of this happening is much higher now amid a surge in anti-Asian attacks across the U.S.

In New York City, safety concerns have fueled rising demand for courses in self-defense and bystander intervention.

CGTN’s Liling Tan reports.

The many faces of America’s AAPI community

As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws to a close, we celebrate the many faces of AAPI that make America…America.

Attendance in self-defense classes grow, as hate crimes against Asians rise

With anti-Asian attacks on the rise in the United States, and especially in New York City, there has been an upsurge in demand for self-defense courses. In covering the story, our reporter Liling Tan learned some handy moves from the Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy on how to fight back.