From nothing to something very real. Just under two years ago, in September 2021, besea.n launched the very first British East Asian Heritage Month. Heritage Month was created in a visceral response to a frightening spike in anti-Asian hate crime during 2020/21. Their 'aim was to provide a safe space to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of ESEA people in the UK, as well as bringing joy to the community'. September 2023 marks the third ESEA Heritage month and this year's theme is, '"Roots/Routes," an exploration of cultural identity and belonging'.
Tracing back our roots, whether genealogical, physical or emotional we've found, can be by turns uplifting, painful, overwhelming, satisfying, surprising and stabilising. We will taking the month of September as a time to explore and celebrate different seams in our histories. We will be putting up a link to the official events calendar, and look out for the EAGG on both the The Allbright socials for virtual spotlights and an in-person event in collaboration with EAGG member Anna Chan, the force behind #ESEAeats.
Can’t wait to celebrate ESEA heritage month with the wider community and EAGG group!