Dozens of SEIU 1021 members, families, and community members gathered on Saturday for a joyful celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Snow Park in Oakland. The event honored both the cultural contributions of AAPI communities and the matriarchs who have shaped families, movements, and leadership across generations.

The celebration, organized by the SEIU 1021 API Caucus, featured cultural performances, delicious food from many Asian and Pacific Island countries, interactive games, commemorative T-shirts and gifts, and a festive atmosphere where families of all ages came together.

“We’re here not just to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, but to honor the women who raised us — the mothers of our movement,” said Yeon Park, SEIU International API Caucus secretary and SEIU 1021 API Caucus chair. “In our communities and in the labor movement, our mothers are our backbone. We lift up AAPI women and leaders like Luisa Blue, who has inspired so many of us through decades of organizing and leadership in SEIU.”

The event also included a special recognition of longtime labor leader, former SEIU International executive vice president, and community organizer Luisa Blue. Though she was unable to attend in person, her son and grandchildren accepted the honor on her behalf.

“It was powerful — we had grandmas, babies, families all together,” Park added. “My favorite part was the girl drummers. They were so confident and proud. That’s why we chose young girls to perform today — to build their confidence and show them they can be future leaders too.”

As attendees shared stories, meals, and music, the event underscored the strength and legacy of AAPI women in the labor movement — and reaffirmed SEIU 1021’s commitment to uplifting community voices through unity and celebration.