Inside Midnight Oil
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. It serves as a reminder of Long Beach’s cultural diversity, and it increases awareness of how vast these areas of the world are. The countries that make up Asia encompass over 17 million square miles (the size of the USA is just over 3.8 million square miles). There are over 20,000 Pacific Islands, spread out over Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
The impact of those who emigrated to the USA from Asia and the Pacific Islands can be felt year-round in Downtown. Here are some opportunities for you to learn about the cultures they brought, and to celebrate how these cultures have been shared and protected by families who decided to navigate a new life in the USA.
LEONARD CHAN of MIDNIGHT OIL / 255 LONG BEACH BLVD.
Midnight Oil owners Leonard Chan (Left) and Peter Ross (Right)
Chan, born and raised in Irvine, is co-owner of the new bar and food collective Midnight Oil at 255 Long Beach Blvd. His family went on quite an odyssey to get to the USA. Chan explained: “My parents were both from China, but during the Communist Revolution, their families fled the country in 1949. Dad’s family went to Hong Kong, and mom’s went to Taiwan. My grandfather on my mom’s side was a four-star general who had a close relationship with the first President of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. His entire family had to go into hiding.”
In 1970, Chan’s parents both made it to the USA. They met in-person and got married after becoming pen pals. “Both sides of the family were huge influences on Midnight Oil’s menu,” said Chan. “Dim Sum was a big deal when we went out with family. My mother had 10 siblings and my father had two, so our family gatherings sprawled across multiple tables in large Cantonese restaurants in Chinatown and The San Gabriel Valley.”
If the Chans were hosting at home and didn’t want to cook an elaborate meal, they stuck with noodle soups and handmade dumplings. “My mom always told me that she would get put on dumpling duty growing up because she wrapped them the best,” Chan remembered. “That is what has driven me to make the best version of those dumplings, but with our own spin. We are getting closer to expanding the menu to include a house-made Beef Noodle Soup, Pork Dumplings, and Vegan Dumplings!”
Chan and his business partner/bar manager Peter Ross are touched by the reception they’ve received from the Downtown community. “This would have been a much steeper hill to climb if it weren’t for the people who are the beating heart of Long Beach,” said Chan. “Our humble little spot is here to service everyone who walks through our doors. We are looking forward to growing with and contributing to this amazing community.”
PACIFIC ISLAND ETHNIC ART MUSEUM (PIEAM) / 695 ALAMITOS AVE.
“WE ARE MAUNA KEA” Weshoyot Alvitre
“Throughout all the Pacific Islands of Oceania, there has always been a central meeting place, a community house,” says the welcome from Museum Director Fran Lujan on the homepage of the PIEAM website. “Our community house at the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) is in the practice of asking permission, reciprocity and to take care of.”
The beauty and variety of PIEAM’s art, statuary, and musical instruments stops you in your tracks and moves you to think about the lives of those who created them. “The artworks here are not ‘on display,'” said Program Coordinator Samantha Olvera. “They’re here to engage in conversations with the community.”
PIEAM is currently hosting Kūkulu: Behold the Pillars of Mauna Kea, an installation that beholds traditional arts, film, photos and music from the movement to protect the sacred mountain of Mauna Kea.
“Pacific Islander histories and all histories of color are worthy of honor and learning, beyond PIAA Heritage Month. As my elders have modeled and shared, begin with yourself and do the work with care. PIEAM, in gratitude to our director, Aunty Fran, sings to the expansiveness of our stories all year round. Come witness Kūkulu: Behold the Pillars of Mauna Kea.” ~~ Samantha Olvera (Familian Queto), CHamoru Diaspora
Olvera and Lujan shared that they chose to place ‘PI’ first in the acronym as a way to uplift and center Pacific Islander voices within the broader community.
AAPI CELEBRATIONS
As we celebrate the stories behind the people shaping Downtown today, there are also plenty of opportunities this month to connect with AAPI heritage through events, art, and community gatherings. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss.
AAPI LATINX FREE FAMILY CELEBRATION AND FILM SCREENING
Join the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and PIEAM on Sunday, May 18 from 2:30 to 6 PM for a very special celebration of AAPI and AAPI Latinx communities! The FREE event, which takes place at MOLAA, begins with a screening of Standing Above the Clouds, a film directed by Jalena Keane-Lee about the protectors who are dedicating their lives to protecting the sacred mountain Mauna Kea from further destruction. At 5 PM there will be a music & sound performance by Micah Manaitai, who incorporates the CHamoru language and traditions of Guam, his birthplace. Reserve your spots by RSVP’ing here.
“MAKE NOISE TODAY” STUDENT EXHIBITION KICK-OFF EVENT
You are invited to support a student contest that uplifts the next generation of AAPI leaders, artists, and advocates. Their voices will resonate, and their stories will be honored! This year’s “Make Noise Today” Student Contest theme, AAPI Joy: Anchor of Hope and Blueprint for Change, comes to life through a showcase of art, performances, and cultural storytelling, curated from selected student submissions.
The contest begins with an exhibition on May 31 — the final day of AAPI Heritage Month — from 6 to 8 PM at the Edison Theatre, 213 E Broadway. Meet with AAPI partner organizations while you enjoy the art and live performances of AAPI youth! You’ll see L.A. band The Linda Lindas receive this year’s Noisemaker Award for their groundbreaking impact, creativity, and advocacy.
Celebrate and empower all participants as they share their voices, forge connections, and drive meaningful change through art. Admission to the event is FREE. RSVP to reserve your spot here.
LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES AAPI HERITAGE MONTH
Photo Courtesy of The Long Beach Public Library
The AAPI Heritage Month kick-off event happened at the Billie Jean King Main Library on May 3, with Cambodian dancers and a special screening of New Wave, a film about young Cambodians navigating a new life in the USA. Throughout May, all 12 Long Beach Public Library locations are hosting a diverse range of AAPI Heritage Month-related FREE programs suitable for children, teens and adults. Consult with the Long Beach Public Library website for details!