Baltimore City Public Schools -

Each May, Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) honors AAPI Heritage Month with a vibrant and thoughtful showcase that reflects the diversity and richness of AAPI cultures. Since launching its first official celebration in 2023, the school has embraced a student-led approach, empowering young artists to lead the curation of performances, presentations, and exhibitions. From traditional dance and poetry readings to curated displays in partnership with local institutions, BSA’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration is both a showcase of artistic excellence and a tribute to the histories, culture, and traditions that shape AAPI communities.

“Culture is the foundation of your identity,” Dattaprasad, one of the seniors in ASU, said. “If you don’t focus on it, you’re sacrificing who you are. And in today’s world, having a strong identity is the most important thing.” 

Elliott, one of the founders of the AAPI Showcase and the Asian Student Union (ASU), recalls how it all began. “There was very little representation of the Asian student body. There were very few of us, and we wanted something to bring us together as a community,” he said. “The first showcase, two years ago, was mostly guest appearances because people didn’t really know each other yet. But now, the showcase is full of student performances....” 

The ASU, which started with six or seven members, has grown to around 20 students. One of those students, Kalyani, described the personal journey that inspired her involvement. She explained that she faced discrimination and racism from fellow students. “It was hard,” she said. “But instead of getting mad, I thought, ‘What’s a way I can positively impact them?’ I wanted to teach people about my culture.” She took the initiative and wrote to Principal Rosiland Cauthen, advocating for a cultural showcase. “She got back to me and said, ‘Let’s do it.’” Kalyani said she thought Cauthen meant the following year. When she learned it would take place that same year, she was in shock. “That was amazing.” 

For students like Esther, ASU has offered a space to try new things and form deeper connections. “The club gave me a place to meet people and be a part of performances I wouldn’t normally be in,” she said. “I play clarinet, so I usually perform classical music. But through the showcase, I got to be in a film, emcee, and even play in a band. It’s given us a chance to show the rest of the school what we can do together.” 

Beyond the annual showcase, ASU hosts a variety of events that bring AAPI cultures to life for the broader school community. These include movie screenings, such as “Parasite” and Indian films, and celebrations like Diwali and Lunar New Year. They also make sure to have tables at the big school events where club members sell traditional snacks like dumplings and steamed buns, raising funds and inviting more students to learn about and celebrate AAPI heritage. 

This year’s showcase marks a turning point. “It’s the biggest amount of student performances we’ve ever had,” Elliott said. “My sophomore year, we had to pull in outside performers and wondered if we could fill the time. Now, it’s like—do we even have enough time for everything? That’s such a big change.” 

More than just a cultural presentation, the showcase has helped foster a broader shift in awareness and respect among students. “I think there’s more open-mindedness now,” Elliott noted.  

Ultimately, the AAPI Heritage Month celebrations at BSA are about more than performances—they are about identity, community, and change. Through continued dedication and creativity, these students are building not just performances, but lasting bridges of understanding—one story, one tradition, and one celebration at a time.