You might have noticed a few changes around here...
We’re stepping into a new chapter as AAPI New Jersey to better reflect the statewide impact of our work!
While we’ve grown, many Montclair-based programs and fan favorites will continue! Thank you for your support and we hope you'll follow along at @aapinewjersey and visit our new website at aapinewjersey.org
#aapicommunity #aapinewjersey #newjersey
Volunteer with us! We’re looking for helping hands to bring this special event to life.
➡️ Sign up at the link in bio or directly at tinyurl.com/LF26volunteer
Opportunities include:
🏮 Lantern installation
🏮 Event support during the festival:
🏮 Sunday lantern take-down
Lantern Festival would not be possible without our amazing volunteers who contribute their time and energy to help make it happen! 🫶
#volunteer #aapinewjersey #lanternfestival2026
You’re going to want to rotate your phone for this one! Take a look back at some highlights from last year’s Lantern Festival!
Only two weeks until our lanterns light up Edgemont Park again!
We’re looking forward to welcoming the community back for this beloved gathering. Join us for an opportunity to learn, connect with organizations doing important work across our state, and celebrate the power of community through music, hands-on activities, and of course food!
We can’t wait to spend the evening with you soon. 💛
🎥 @jellymanmedia
This AAPI Heritage Month, consider supporting the next generation of AAPI leaders as they build community, raise their voices, and step into their power.
Next Monday, we’re heading back to the State House for Asian American Advocacy Day 2026 to fight for a stronger future for AAPI communities in New Jersey. From voting rights to community well-being, our youth are showing up to make sure their voices are part of the decisions shaping their lives and futures.
Your support helps make opportunities like this possible! Give today at aapinewjersey.org
🎥 @jellymanmedia
Help light up the night ✨ Dedicate a lantern in honor or remembrance of a person, with a message, or for a hope you hold for our communities.
Give at tinyurl.com/AAPINJgive and select the checkbox “Give in honor/memory.” Each dedication will be placed on a lantern displayed throughout the park during Lantern Festival 2026.
Dedications of $250 or more will become part of a special lantern installation.
Your support, whether $5 or $500, helps make this evening possible and brings us closer to our Heritage Month goal of 300+ individual donors.
Note: Lanterns remain part of the shared experience in the park and are not taken home at the end of the night, as they will be reused for future Lantern Festivals.
#lanternfestival2026 #aapinewjersey
Looking for more ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in New Jersey? 🌸
We’ve rounded up more events, gatherings, and community spaces happening throughout May for folks looking to learn, connect, reflect, and celebrate.
Take a look, support local organizers, and find a way to join in this month. If there’s an event we missed, send it our way or drop it in the comments so we can help spread the word!
Note: AAPI New Jersey is not the host of these events. This roundup is shared for informational purposes and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with the event organizers.
This AAPI Heritage Month, we’ve been proudly championing our right to: bloom here. belong here.
If our work has ever helped you or someone you love feel a sense of belonging, we invite you to be part of what comes next.
Give at tinyurl.com/AAPINJgive
We’re aiming to reach 300+ donors by the end of May, and if we achieve it, we’ll unlock a $25K gift! Every donation, no matter the size, helps our work take root and grow where it’s needed most.
📬 Anyone can apply to vote by mail, no excuse needed! 🗳️ Vote from home, on your schedule
You can apply online or by mail up to 7 days before the election.
🔎 Visit VOTE.NJ.GOV to apply online. For the June 2 Primary, the deadline to apply is May 26.
We’re encouraging voters to return completed ballots as early as possible. One of the best ways to help ensure your ballot is received on time is by using a secure ballot drop box location or making sure it is postmarked by June 2.
A special small business spotlight this AAPI Heritage Month 💛 Montclair local Chef Hong-ly Lao @honglylao
If you joined us at last year’s @aapinewjersey gala, you might remember his private dinner auction that sparked a bidding war. Now he’s reopening his Chef’s Table to the community.
Supper club l’Appartement 2C is back on May 30 and June 5. Reserve your seat: honglylao.com
As he says, “Come as strangers, leave as friends.” Experience an intimate tasting menu blending French technique with bold Cambodian flavors, shared among good company!
📸captured by our dear community member and friend, Wendy!
Come learn, take action, and speak up for what matters to you and your communities!
Students, come claim your seat at the table too! Youth participants will have the opportunity to meet directly with the Governor’s Office.
🗓 May 18 | NJ State House, Trenton
🎓 Virtual training provided in advance
Transportation available from Montclair, NJ
RSVP at link in bio or aapinewjersey.org/events
Give this AAPI Heritage Month by groovin’ on the dance floor!
Move with us to live music from Alchemisers, 80s–00s hits spun by DJ Josh Varcas, and Tiffany Joy of Studio Ligaya breaking down easy, feel-good moves. 🎵 Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. 🍕
Get your tickets now at the link in bio or at aapinewjersey.org/events 🎟️ All proceeds support AAPI NJ’s programs and statewide advocacy!
This is Our Home 💛
We’re kicking off our AAPI Heritage Month with a series highlighting AAPI communities and places across New Jersey, told by the people who call this state home.
First stop: Palisades Park with Julie & Soo
Support AAPI-owned businesses this month and every month!
Got a spot to support? Share it in the comments 👇
Spots mentioned:
📍 Ahjae GookBap 아재국밥
408 Main St, Fort Lee
(Pal Park location is temporarily closed due to a fire in the building)
📍Halmae Noodle 할매 칼국수 413 Broad Ave, Pal Park
📍Kokili Kimbap 코키리 김밥
327 Broad Ave
📍 YeSan
315 Broad Ave
📍 Artisan Boulanger
(right next door)
📍 Kim’s Kitchen
407C Broad Ave
