May is National Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and never before in recent history has there been a time when acknowledging this month is more important than ever. To recognize and celebrate the valuable and innumerous contributions that our nation's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have made to collective culture, discourse, and identity, El Camino College will hold a live Zoom presentation of "Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Dezi American: A Discussion of Heritage and Current Affairs," at 10 a.m. May 25. This event is presented by the Schauerman Library's Reference Services Equity Series.

The City of Los Angeles has also curated dialogues and stories taking place throughout the area this month to open eyes and lead toward appreciation for the beauty, wisdom and diversity that make up the AAPI community and bring about an end to the violence and hate-driven crimes against this community. Through education, empathy, and mutual respect, this month should be used as a springboard of love for humanity.