Asian American Heritage Future Roots Festival Returns

A celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, presented by San Jose Councilman Ash Kalra and Asian Americans for Community Involvement, takes place today Saturday, May 25 noon to 7 p.m. at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, on South Market Street in San Jose.

The Future Roots Festival returns for a second year to recognize the many contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States, according to Councilman Kalra.

The festival also celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander artists, activists, and scholars and will feature performances and contemporary dance and music, as well as gourmet food trucks and vendor booths.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was first established in 1977 when Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Mineta and Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga introduced resolutions asking the President to declare the first ten days of May as Asian Pacific Heritage Week.

In 1978, President Carter made it an annual event and in 1990, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed the entire month of May to be Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

For details, check out the festival's Facebook page by clicking here.