How to use transit to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the United States. This month pays tribute to Americans who trace their heritage to countries across the Asian continent, Native Hawaiians, and descendants of the Pacific islands of Melanesia and Polynesia. The month of May was chosen to commemorate AAPI heritage due to the significant developments labored and led by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, specifically the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May of 1869, with the majority of workers hailing from China. To commemorate the invaluable efforts and cultural contributions AAPI individuals have made, take transit to explore multicultural neighborhoods around the city, partake in celebratory events, and much more.

Multicultural Neighborhoods

West Argyle Street Historic District

Most popularly known as “Asia on Argyle,” this Uptown hotspot listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the hub of a variety of local businesses, family-owned restaurants, and supermarkets dedicated to serving authentic and delicious cuisine and products from Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, and Thai roots. Located just off the Argyle Red Line stop, it’s easily one of the most accessible and tasty adventures in Chicagoland.

Where: Argyle Street and surrounding area in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago

How to get there:

CTA Red Line (Argyle stop).
CTA bus route #147 (Sheridan & Foster stop), then walk 9 minutes (0.4 miles).
Metra UP-N (Ravenswood stop), transfer to CTA bus route #81 (Broadway & Lawrence stop), then walk 7 minutes (0.4 miles).

Devon Avenue

Locally known as “Little India,” this West Ridge neighborhood corridor is bustling with food, culture, and shopping. With a vibrant mix of cultures from Pakistan, India, China, and many other countries from South and East Asia, it won’t be hard to find vegetarian, vegan, or traditional foods with a local twist on Devon Avenue.

Where: Devon Avenue and surrounding area in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago

How to get there:

CTA Red Line (Loyola stop), transfer to CTA bus route #155 (Devon & Western stop).
Metra UP-N Line (Peterson/Ridge stop), then walk 17 minutes (0.8 miles).

Chinatown

Visit one of the most accessible and fastest growing neighborhoods in the city to be immersed in a thriving hub of Chinese culture. Chinatown hosts a plethora of Asian-inspired public art and parks, museums and art galleries, shops, bakeries, and restaurants, making Chicago’s one of the largest Chinatowns in the country.

Where: Chinatown neighborhood

How to get there:

CTA Red Line (Cermak-Chinatown stop), then walk 8 minutes (0.4 miles).
CTA Green Line (Cermak-McCormick Place stop), then walk 11 minutes (0.6 miles).
CTA bus route #62 (Archer & Cermak/Princeton stop), then walk 5 minutes (0.2 miles).
Metra Electric Line (27th St. stop), then walk 7 minutes (0.3 miles) to King Drive & 25th Street to catch CTA bus route #21 (Cermak & Archer stop), then walk 4 minutes (0.2 miles).

Cultural Events

Asian American Showcase

The Gene Siskel Film Center is hosting its 29th annual Asian American Showcase, an event running from May 7–12 to provide a platform for new works by established and emerging Asian American filmmakers. The multi-day festival will include both shorts and feature-length films. Visit the link to see film showtimes.

Where: 164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

How to get there:

CTA Red Line (Lake stop)
CTA Blue Line (Washington stop), then walk for 2 minutes.
CTA Green, Orange, Brown, Purple, or Pink Line (Clark/Lake stop), then walk for 5 minutes (0.2 miles).
Metra Electric Line (Millenium Station stop) and walk 4 minutes (0.2 miles).

Learn more

Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America

An exhibit at the International Museum of Surgical Science May 15–August 2 explores the stories of young women coming to America alone in the 1940s until present day, featuring artifacts like hospital uniforms, medical equipment, awards, immigration documentation, photographs,and personal mementos. To dramatize the exhibit, CIRCA Pintig, Chicago’s premiere, Filipino theater company, will host multiple panels and live readings. Guest artists include poet and author, Dwight Okita; playwright and educator, Giovanni Ortega; composer and playwright, Foline Roos; and writer and creative producer, R.J. Silva.

Where: International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610

How to get there:

CTA Bus #151 (Lake Shore & North Ave stop)
CTA Brown Line (Sedgwick stop) then transfer to CTA Bus #72 (North Ave & Clark Terminal stop) and walk for 7 minutes (0.3 miles)
Metra UP-N or UP-NW Line (Clybourn stop) then transfer to CTA Bus #73 (North Ave & LaSalle stop) and walk for 9 minutes (0.4 miles)

Learn more

Wednesday Night Improv with Stir Friday Night

Stir Friday Night is the longest running Asian American comedy troupe with nearly three decades of existence that includes notable alumni such as Steven Yeun and Danny Pudi. Most recently performing in Amsterdam’s prestigious BOOM Comedy Festival, Stir Friday Night will perform an hour-long improv set at 6 p.m. on May 20 that includes both long-form and short-form improvisation that’s fun for every age.

Where: Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

How to get there:

CTA Brown Line (Western stop), then walk for 9 minutes (0.4 miles).
CTA Red and Purple Lines (Wilson stop), then transfer to CTA Bus #78 (Montrose & Lincoln stop) and walk for 3 minutes (0.1 miles).
Metra UP-N Line (Ravenswood stop), then walk for 17 minutes (0.7 miles).

Learn more

Supporting and celebrating AAPI enterprises, events, and places can be done year-round. Check out the Chicago Asian Network or Chicago Public Library’s Guide to find more events celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and their respective cultures.